Student Leaders Bring Ultimate Frisbee to Richfield

This year, a group of Richfield students launched Richfield’s first Ultimate Frisbee team, the Richfield Roundabouts. From researching leagues, recruiting players, designing jerseys and building a team identity, students led every step of the process.

For 2027 graduate Beckett Morey, the idea began after seeing other schools offer the sport and realizing Richfield students were missing out. "I wanted to start an Ultimate Frisbee team after learning about how many other schools had one," Morey said. "After playing our version of the sport during Cross Country practices, I knew that it would be a mistake not to try."

What followed was months of planning, problem-solving and persistence. Because Ultimate Frisbee is not recognized by the Minnesota State High School League, the high school could not officially host a team, and the students had to find another pathway to compete. After researching options, Morey connected with Minnesota Ultimate, an organization that operates as a competitive Ultimate Frisbee league throughout the state. With the support of Richfield High School administration, Richfield Community Education and the City of Richfield, students helped create a structure that would allow the team to officially form and compete. "Working through the City of Richfield was crucial," Morey said. "Had we chosen to only be a club with the school, we would not have been able to play with or against other schools."

Once the framework was established, students turned their attention to building the team itself. The team eventually settled on a name that could only belong in Richfield: the Roundabouts. "The team name was Jeremy Johnson's idea," Morey explained. "He thought it embodied Richfield quite well and was a good fit for a Frisbee team since they kind of look alike." Students worked together to choose team colors, design jerseys, recruit players and establish the culture of the new program. Along the way, they learned that building a team requires much more than simply showing up to play.

"One of the hardest parts of starting the team has been the dedication and time that the players are willing to give it," Morey said. "As a secondary sport for most people, we have to wrestle with other schedules such as Track & Field, Volleyball, Golf and Tennis." Even with those challenges, Morey says the support from others made the effort worthwhile. Today, the Roundabouts roster includes 22 players competing in their inaugural season. “I’m looking forward to many future seasons and being able to watch this team grow as a Roundabouts Alumni.”

Richfield High School Principal Stacy Theien-Collins expressed her pride in the leadership these students showed during this project. “Great student leaders don’t wait for change, they help create it,” she said. “They had a real interest and saw a gap, and were persistent in leading this project. I really am proud of their work and accomplishments. Seeing the work that Beckett, Jackson and Trey did in developing this team took true leadership.”

For those unfamiliar with the sport, Ultimate Frisbee is a seven-on-seven non-contact game played on a field with end zones. Players advance the disc by passing because they cannot run while holding it. A point is scored when a player catches the disc in the opposing team's end zone.

But for Morey, the game's appeal goes far beyond the competition. "My favorite thing about playing Ultimate is the community and spirit that comes with it," he said. "After each game, the two teams circle up with each other and talk about how well the game went, complimenting each other and giving little spirit awards. The whole ordeal is called a 'Spirit Circle.'"

As one of the student leaders behind the program, Morey says the experience has also taught him valuable lessons about leadership. "Throughout the whole process of the Roundabouts, I have learned that the tone of my speech matters almost more than what I am saying," he said. "If someone feels weirded out, uncomfortable or alienated by the way you speak to them, they will not give you the time of day, much less join your brand new Frisbee team. The trust of others has been crucial to the success of the team." Looking back, Morey says there is one accomplishment that stands above all the rest. "In all honesty, the fact that the team exists and everything has worked out is awesome," he said. "We are set up for this team to exist for a very long time and I'm incredibly proud of it all." And that's exactly what makes the story of the Roundabouts so remarkable.

Looking ahead, Morey plans to create a middle school-age team next year to further expand the sport in the Richfield community.

Learn more about the Richfield Roundabouts on this episode of the Minnesota Youth Ultimate Podcast (about 30 minutes in).

Photo credit: Isaac Nielsen (2026-27 RHS graduate)