The Rum Runners: Ultimate frisbee club team keeps winning streak

A team of college students, a flying disc and a drawing of a character named Rummy McJuggerton — that’s the story behind Montana State’s men’s ultimate frisbee club team, better known as the Rum Runners. Last week, they worked to prepare for the Montana Fall Ultimate College Classic (MOFUCC), scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, the Rum Runners hosted the University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies.

 “MOFUCC is definitely one of the best tournaments of the year. It's where we get to know and compete against the teams at [UM], while also competing against our alumni and other members of the community. The tournaments at the start of the year are the most formative for team culture, and MOFUCC is where you get to see all of the new players’ personalities shine,” Carver Wambold said.

A team of college students, a flying disc and a drawing of a character named Rummy McJuggerton — that’s the story behind the MSU men’s ultimate frisbee club team, better known as the Rum Runners.

Ultimate frisbee is a non-contact sport in which two teams compete to catch a frisbee in the other team’s end zone to score. Players are not allowed to run while the frisbee is in their hands.

According to Club President Carver Wambold, the team was originally known as the Funky Snowmen.  

“At our first tournament, [former teammate] August Cary drew up Rummy McJuggerton, which has been our logo to this day,” he said. “I'm guessing the drawing led to the name the Rum Runners or the name led to Rummy McJuggerton, and we've had it ever since.” 

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, the club meets up on the Dobbie Lambert fields to practice. Last week, they worked to prepare for the Montana Fall Ultimate College Classic (MOFUCC), scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year, the Rum Runners hosted the University of Montana (UM) Grizzlies. 

In a pre-tournament interview, Wambold described the tournament as an integral part of the team’s season. “MOFUCC is definitely one of the best tournaments of the year. It's where we get to know and compete against the teams at [UM], while also competing against our alumni and other members of the community,” he said. “The tournaments at the start of the year are the most formative for team culture, and MOFUCC is where you get to see all of the new players’ personalities shine.” 

Wambold added that the Rum Runners have never lost to the Grizzlies and intend to keep that streak going this year.

At the MOFUCC, the Rum Runners competed in two teams: one consisting of sophomores and juniors, and the other consisting of freshmen and seniors. Both teams defeated the UM SmokeJump club frisbee team, successfully continuing their winning streak. The sophomores and juniors’ final score against the Grizzlies was 13-2, while the freshmen and seniors won 13-8. 

When the two Rum Runners teams faced off against one another. The freshmen and seniors proved victorious with a final score of 10-6.

Along with the Rum Runners, there is a Bozeman community team centered around the local non-profit, Bozeman Ultimate, which helps coordinate local ultimate frisbee play. They have summer and winter leagues and have meetups throughout the community. This is where many alumni from the Rum Runners still play today. The Bozeman community team participated in the MOFUCC and won against the sophomore/junior team 13-9 and the freshman/seniors 17-7. 

While competition is an integral part of their season, Wambold said the Rum Runners are about more than just that. He said his favorite part of being a Rum Runner is being part of a team culture he is proud of. 

“Having the privilege of building a team culture you are genuinely proud of is a highlight of the university experience, and running into Rummies, both new and old, always makes your day,” he said.  

To learn more about the Rum Runners, visit its Instagram @rumrunnersmt.