NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Easterns Qualifying ultimate frisbee tournament kicked off the 2016 sports tourism season at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex this weekend.
More than 625 athletes representing 25 college teams from around the country came to compete in the tournament, trying to earn a spot in an even bigger event coming to the complex in March.
“If you win you get yourself in the biggest tournament in the county before nationals which is Easterns,” said Eli Motycka, a player from Brown University.
One of the tournament’s top teams, Brown players had to come all the way from Rhode Island, though they welcomed the change in climate.
“Its February but it still feels like summer us,” said Motycka. While he enjoyed the mild temperatures getting to the beach took dedication.
“We actually paid our whole way here, its pretty much on players. We try to do team dinners, we try to subsidize with fund raising and stuff like that, but we really wanted to play frisbee,” said Motycka.
Brown came up just short, losing to Michigan in the finals but a fellow player, Charlie Holtz still enjoyed the experience.
“We love it, we love supporting South Ca rolina,” said Holtz. It was a sentiment shared by tournament director, Greg Vassar.
“The complex here is great, its top notch. It’s great to work with the city of North Myrtle Beach, the weather is great, the field is great, and its great working with the hotels as well,” said Vassar.
It’s just a small part of a growing multi-million dollar industry in our community. Last year North Myrtle Beach city spokesperson Pat Dowling said the city saw $31 million in new revenue directly from events like these.
Ultimate frisbee action will be back at the North Myrtle Beach from March 18th through the 20th for the Easterns Tournament, one of the premiere events in the college season.
