Salt Lake Shred (the Shred) is in the middle of their Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) season. One of 22 teams across North America, the Shred is Utah’s representative Ultimate Frisbee team. They compete in the West Division with teams from Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and California. 

“The Shred are a family – camaraderie and work ethic are high, but that isn’t to say there isn’t competition amongst players,” said Quincey McKeen, Shred general manager since 2023. 

It’s the team’s fifth consecutive year with 35-40 players on the roster. The Shred’s name and logo was originally inspired from Utah’s Ski Culture. Playing off the name, their mascot is a cheese grater named Shreddy. 

“Many players are Utah-grown talent, having played in a Utah high school or college before joining the Shred,” McKeen said. 

Nine Utahns have played on the Shred for all five seasons including two of the team captains; Alex Forsberg and Chad Yorgason. (The third captain, Matt Russnogle, moved to Utah after playing club Ultimate Frisbee in Tennessee.) 

Alex Forsberg was introduced to Ultimate Frisbee while attending the University of Utah. He played for only one year with the college team before joining the Shred.  

“He has risen through the ranks – from not playing any games his rookie year, to being a leader and dominate player during his fifth season,” McKeen said. 

Chad Yorgason started playing Ultimate Frisbee in high school (in Cache County) and ended up joining the CHI team at BYU. Yorgason enjoyed the sport so much he inspired his two younger brothers to join. Luke is now a 5-year veteran of the Shred and McKay has been playing for the past four years. 

Playing for the Shred for consecutive years is notable as the team has annual open tryouts each December. McKeen explained how elite players include strength and plyometric training into their track workout regimen. 

“Even if you were on the team the previous year, you must attend and re-tryout. It takes agility, speed, endurance, and a good vertical,” McKeen said. “And of course you have to be able to throw and catch. Players will spend a lot of time throwing outside of practices, working on specific types of throws or throwing around a mark.” 

Never heard of Ultimate Frisbee? The objective is to move the frisbee from one end of the field to the end zone on the other side by passing the frisbee from teammate to teammate (similar to soccer). Players must pass the frisbee within seven seconds of catching it and they cannot run with the frisbee in-hand. 

“Professional Ultimate Frisbee is not your backyard barbecue game – it’s intense, with players throwing their bodies across the field to block the frisbee and multiple players jumping to snag a big throw,” McKeen said.

The Shred will play two home games in July (one was on the 4th against the Seattle Cascades and the other one will be on the 17th against the Oakland Spiders). 

“The Spiders have been a big rival for the Shred and finally beat us for the first time earlier this season, so the July 17 rematch will be a big game,” McKeen said. 

Depending on the results of that game, the Shred will either host a playoff game on July 27 or July 28 (before playing the Spiders on their home turf in August) or host a playoff game in August. Championship weekend will be held in Madison at the end of August where the winners from all four divisions will compete.  

“Residents can support the Shred by coming out to a game. Games are incredible family-friendly events,” McKeen said. 

Shred games have concessions, great music, fun merch and activities for kids and youth. Children seven and younger can get in for free. 

“Shred fans are high energy and enthusiastic,” McKeen said. 

Want to learn more about the Shred? Follow them on Instagram (@saltlakeshredulti) or visit their website at www.saltlakeshred.com.