FACES of OCUA

WELCOME TO FACES of OCUA

The players and members of OCUA are truly special. Not only because they play this inclusive and exciting sport, but also because many have interesting jobs, hobbies and interests.

Because of that, we will publish this regular section in each issue of Ultimate Happenings and through our social media channels to share more about the unique members of OCUA. Enjoy.

Name: MARCUS BRADY

Years playing Ultimate? To date, 44yrs, since 1981 when we started a McGill University intramural team.

How were you introduced to the sport?
 

While hanging out and throwing at McGill I met Paul Stern (Rye, New York) and he taught us to play Ultimate. We organized our players to go to U.S. open and university tournaments in 1983 and 1984.  Paul suggested that we go to World's in Luzerne, Switzerland in 1984 with a full squad of … (9) players.

What sparked you and Brian Guthrie to start Ultimate in Ottawa, and how did that go?

Independent of each other we had both started pick-up groups with friends. Brian pulled from the high tech community; me, I rallied and herded high school buddies. 

After World's I was focused on finding and developing good players. My father told me that there was a group playing Ultimate on Riverside Drive. I would camp out after work to try and meet up with them.

Once I connected with Brian, we merged our players and made teams. Soon after we took Ottawa players to the tourneys in the U.S. and created opportunities to promote the sport (e.g. March Meltdown, Parliament Hill; City of Ottawa, Parks and Recreation).

The enthusiasm in Ottawa was FANTASTIC!  Before long we were going to multiple summer tournaments, and we decided we wanted teams to come to Ottawa to infect more possible players. 

We organized No Borders (1986), and then hosted Canadian Nationals in 1987. During this time the 'Screaming Yellow Zonkers' and 'Bruce and the Usuals' appeared and developed an amazing league structure . . .creating what is today, OCUA. 

In preparation for 1986 World's we gathered information about Canadian Ultimate efforts and players from across the country; invited players to submit applications to join the team; and assembled a Team Canada roster from the best players and most infectious personalities and organizers. 

What do you love about the sport and league?

The players’ passion.

The portability.

Playing without referees (we self-govern).

The flow of the game.

The chill and silliness. 

. . . and that my son's Kyle and Ethan play.

How do you think it helps people (adults, youth)?

The sport of Ultimate can occupy 20 people with one Frisbee.

You can’t win a game by yourself.

It’s beautiful to watch.

It’s infectious.

It combines fitness, fun and fluidity. 

People are attracted to the spirit and vibe it provides. 

What is your job?

   I used to help build early-stage biotechnology companies. Later I worked with companies to solve technological problems using global innovation networks. 

What do you love about this career choice?

   It requires rapid melding expertise from scientists and business. 

What are the challenges or rewards of what you were a part of?

   The reward is seeing the game played and enjoyed by thousands of kids, youth and adults.  

You got away from playing, why?

   Too many preventable injuries. It’s a sport, and my health is/was important.   

Now you’re back playing . . . why?

   I joined a pick-up game and it felt like 1984 again. 

What’s next?

   Find an Elder/Old Person team or group to play with this summer and fall. Could we please organize a group?

Final comments?

Just a major thank you to the many 'builders' of this sport that is now played world-wide. Congratulations to Craig Fielding, Brian Guthrie, Keith Whyte, Amanda Brady, Rod Nicholls, Mike Shockett, Chris Lowcock, Willie Herndon, Dante Anderson, Laura and Mike Davis, John Atkinson, Greg Lange, Jean Luc Forêt, photographer Rick Collins and many others. Your collective passion and contributions have built something so many love — Ultimate.

(Read more about Marcus and other OCUA Hall of Fame members at this link.)