Lincoln High School is home to some of the most popular Pacific Northwestern sports, many of them vital to physical involvement for a large number of our students. Ultimate Frisbee and Lacrosse, for instance, are a cornerstone of our sports programs’ success. The only problem with this is that they aren’t actual sports. Not by direct school authentication at least. Our Ultimate Frisbee team, and every other team at high schools around Seattle, is only counted as club sport by designation of the school. This given designation prevents these programs from flourishing, creating a struggle for scheduling, competition, and funding. According to the WIAA, (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) Ultimate Frisbee, quote “does not fall under the category of an official sport.”

“I think that in Washington it’s pretty ridiculous” says Senior Varsity Frisbee Captain of the (currently undefeated) boys’ team, Owen Mertz, when asked about the status of the sport. “The notion that [Frisbee] isn’t a sport when we have over one hundred people [trying] out every year is just silly.” He expresses his displeasure with this decision by the WIAA, and states how vital a switch from club sport to official sport would be. He notes certain aspects of the sport that are problematic at the moment, citing field conditions and booking as a primary concern: “The main way it hurts us is field reservations.” Mertz references the absurdity of the club’s status, stating the fact that many club sports often fall last in line behind official sports, private schools, and more in terms of getting vital practice time, and even games when reserving public fields. Club sports also suffer in terms of funding, as supplies, fundraising, and much more are provided by parents. When asked if he would want to make the switch, he responded that, “I would definitely rather be a school sport.”

Of course, Ultimate isn’t simply limited to male participants, the Gx team (the team made up of players who identify as female) is one of Lincoln’s most successful, if not most successful, teams for any sport, boys or girls. They have consistently made it to nationals every year since coming into their own as a Lynx club sports program in 2022, even placing second that year. Even with certain fiscal shortcomings that accompany being a club sport, both the Gx and Bx squads, following years of past and current success, shine through as a beacon of hope for the future of our sporting organizations.
Becoming an official school sport would provide countless benefits, and a vast number of vital resources (taking the weight off the shoulders of the parents) by being subsidized by the school. Frisbee isn’t the only sport being punished with their status, however, as another enormous sport struggles with this qualification as well.

Lacrosse is another one of Lincoln’s sports that is not recognized as an official sport by Seattle Public Schools. We interviewed Axel Kreps (‘26), a player on the boys’ Lacrosse team, about his opinions on Lacrosse being a club sport. When asked about how Lacrosse is limited by being a club sport, Kreps responded by saying that, “It’s just annoying. There’s no school funding, and parents and coaches are left to pay for everything.” The lack of funding is a main reason it is much harder to be a club sport in comparison to an official sport, with Kreps adding, “It doesn’t get recognition very easily.” Kreps wants Lacrosse along with Ultimate frisbee to be recognized by Seattle Public Schools to assist in the funding and monetary support that would come along with it.

It may seem that the answer is clear, just let the club sports be official! However, the solution isn’t quite that simple. As referenced earlier, struggles with this switch come in many shapes and forms, and would need to pass through many rounds of revision by the heads of the WIAA, a process that is easier said than done. There is still hope, however, as students who participate in these sports can push for change in their local communities by writing to the WIAA through their website at wiaa.com, and asking what can be done – if anything – to remedy this limitation. Club sports limitations cause players and parents to be left liable to fund the games and gear, which can stop some students from being able to play Lynx Lacrosse or Ultimate Frisbee. Students being able to play the sports they wish to play is an important cause and shortcomings caused by Seattle Schools not recognizing Lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee as sports can make it much more difficult for students and parents interested.