Not wind, nor rain, nor even snow could curtail Onionfest, Whitman’s 15th annual co-ed ultimate Frisbee tournament. Twenty teams competed in the two-day tournament that took place at the Whitman Athletic Complex Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.

While the sun shone down on Saturday’s games, players faced snow flurries and rain showers on Sunday.

Of playing in the snow, first-year Peter Baryshinkov said, “When you dive, you slide almost five feet: that’s fun. But overall, I really didn’t like playing in the snow. It was so cold, and I thought my hands were going to fall off. However, I think it’s a testament to the tenacity of the team that we were out there playing, even in this weather.”

Three teams comprised of current Whitman students played in the tournament, as well as college and club teams from western Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Minnesota.

“We always look forward to coming to Onionfest,” said Sam Harkness, who plays on a Seattle-based club team. “This is my second year, and I always have a lot of fun,” he said.

A team of Whitman alumni also participated in the tournament.

Kevin McNellis ’07 played ultimate on the Whitman team for four years.

“It’s great to be back out for Onionfest. And so far, the alumni team is doing well,” he said.
Senior men’s captain Mike MacCully described the formation of the Whitman teams.

“The Whitman A-team is comprised of all seniors, and then the other two teams are split up evenly between skill, age and gender. We’re having a costume competition, so each team is supposed to have a theme. The A-team is ‘America’s Next Best Dance Crew: Sweet Magic.’ The other Whitman teams’ themes are ‘Communism’ and ‘Capitalism,’ respectively,” he said.

The days’ events also included an onion-eating contest and the annual ‘Sunset Showcase’ game.

“For the Showcase, we put on two teams of seven people who are willing to do big things and look good out there. It’s an all-star game that’s very entertaining to watch,” said MacCully.

“This is really the best weekend of the year,” said Sarah Haas, senior women’s captain. “It’s the only major event we put on, and everyone looks forward to it.”

And the prize for the team that wins the tournament?

“Pride,” said MacCully. “Lots and lots of pride.”