Iowan to represent Team USA in World Flying Disc Championship
6/5/2024
The World Flying Disc Federation’s World Ultimate Championships take place once every four years and feature the top flying disc players in the world.
Dylan DeClerck of Urbandale will represent Team USA, a unique feat among thousands of players across the country in the Olympic-style sport.
DeClerck was among 560 other players to try out for Team USA. It was narrowed down to 100 men and 100 women, then 50 players of each gender. During the tryouts, coaches examine how a player benefits the team. The tryout selection is based on half of the actual tryout and half playing experience.
In April, DeClerck found out he was chosen for the mixed ultimate Frisbee team with a roster of 36 men and 36 women. He will play late summer in Gold Coast, Australia.
“I found out in an email I made the team,” he said. “I was excited and thankful. I knew I had a good chance and thought I had a good tryout.”
DeClerck cites his longtime play as the major factor in why he made the team. A graduate of Valley High School, he played in various leagues in both high school and college. He tried out and made the Minnesota Wind Chill, a professional men’s team, playing the past eight seasons. He has honed his skills, making the nearly four-hour car drive for weekly practices and games plus travel to other Central League games in the Midwest.
DeClerck explains that the games are played on a football field with seven players from each team. The endzone is 20 yards, as opposed to 10 in football. The players use a professional Frisbee, throwing it from one player to another until someone catches it in the endzone. The first team to catch 15 goals wins. Part of the strategy is defense, as players attempt to knock the disc to the ground. One rule is that players can’t run when they have the Frisbee in hand.
“I play defensive. I’m trying to get turnovers on the other team. I’m more of a runner and not a thrower. Every time there’s a turnover, it goes back to the other team,” DeClerck said.
Aside from games, he practices throwing on a net, running and lifting weights. He plays pickup games with friends and occasionally practices with his dad.
Wind Chill games attract crowds of up to 1,000 spectators, including DeClerck’s parents, who make the trek from Clive. The Wind Chill played in several playoff games, plus a trip to the Final Four, with more than 2,500 fans in attendance.
“In Madison, it was cool. Some cities really embrace the sport,” he said.
In Des Moines, local teams from beginners to adults play on a variety of leagues, with resources by the Central Iowa Ultimate Frisbee.
“There are opportunities to play in Iowa with camps for beginners. Any adults up to age 90 can play. You don’t need a lot of equipment .”
DeClerck said it is an honor to play for Team USA, as games only occur once every four years and it was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.
“It’s a great opportunity, and I’m making the most of it,” he said. ♦
