Senior Ultimate Frisbee Captain, Andrew Arrigo, delves into his athletic start, a play-by-play of the game, and his advice when it comes to finding balance in life. As a Marketing and Sports Management dual major from Delmont PA, Arrigo understands the importance of being able to put yourself out there and seize every opportunity.
Throughout his elementary school career, Arrigo participated in both baseball and basketball. And once he entered high school, he found himself struggling to find the time before eventually shying away from two of his favorite sports. However, there was something else in the background and that was the game of frisbee.
During his sophomore and junior year at Franklin Regional, Arrigo's friends were involved and roped him in. Despite disliking frisbee at first, he quickly got involved during his senior year, realizing the importance of not taking anything for granted. He states, "You don't have to do everything, just find your thing that shows your ability and build on that," And he certainly has, seeing how his high school team was ranked second in PA after competing in the PHUL (Pittsburgh High School Ultimate League) in which they played the championship in Highmark Stadium.
As captain, Arrigo enjoys the fact that in frisbee, you are able to play all positions and be a real team player. While he is primarily a Handler, "It's like the quarterback," Arrigo describes, he also has a passion for the Cutter position, similar to a wide receiver sticking to football terminology, which is what Arrigo uses to best explain the process. "You don't have to be the best player to be a good leader," he explains, "If you take away skill, you should still have leadership qualities,"
And when it comes to challenges, Arrigo says that one of the hardest things is learning strategy, movement, and throwing. "It can take 3-5 games to understand correct spacing which is critical. It is important to keep certain spaces open because the disk floats far and long." In addition to that, he explains the importance in picking between the two throws; flick and backhand. But above all else, patience is key in this sport. "The only way to get better is to keep going. The more you do it, the better you become. It's important to trust the process,"
And with that attitude, it is no surprise that he is known as the Spirit Captain, providing energy and motivation for the team through chants and spirit circles. Though, Arrigo credits a lot of his success and attitude to one of his best friends, Thomas Merante. Merante had been playing frisbee years before convincing Arrigo to get involved and seeing his drive inspired Arrigo. Merante pushed and motivated him, playing a huge factor in where he is today.
His high school graduation was a big moment for Arrigo as he looked around and realized how badly he wanted to maximize his potential. And that is why he is so involved. Not only has he participated in over 20 internships, but he has taken on several part time roles during his four years at RMU. He explains, "My time has been great at RMU. If you put a lot in, you get a lot out," And he certainly has, considering his involvement in over sixteen clubs and organizations around campus, including the Business Summit Planning Committee and the Nonprofit Leadership Association.
But one prime example of maximizing his potential is the UPJ (University of Pittsburgh Johnstown) game he and his RMU team participated in this past fall. After years of struggle, the team came together for the win. And while it was a little moment, it had a big impact on Arrigo overall. He mentions that while frisbee is not his life, it means a lot to watch yourself grow and reach what you consider to be your pinnacle. "Our school has this new message now and that is to be unstoppable. But unstoppable does not mean invincible. It means being able to pick yourself back up and keep going regardless of obstacles," And Arrigo explains he will never forget the struggle that brought him to where he is today.
