Justin Verigan, right, of Marquette's Whiskey Disc team zeros in on the disc as his teammates converge during the Coca-Cola International Frisbee Tournament held at the Driving Park in Hancock in July 2022. (Photo courtesy Barb Thornton)

HANCOCK — The 68th annual Coca-Cola International Frisbee Tournament will be held at the Hancock Driving Park in Hancock on Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12.

Known as the Granddaddy of Guts Frisbee, this event — free for all spectators — features teams standing less than 50 feet apart flinging Frisbees toward each other at up to 80 mph.

Organizers mentioned that while many people have played and watched Guts Frisbee in the pasts, the sports is experiencing renewed growth both nationally and internationally.

This year’s event will include an International Frisbee and USA Guts Hall of Fame induction at the Hancock Community Hub, formerly Hancock Central High School, on the event’s first day at 7:15 p.m. Five people will be inducted to the hall of fame located just up the road at the Calumet Coliseum.

The class spans from the original days of Guts Frisbee in the 1960s to current times. They are the following:

• Stephen “Desi” Desjardins of Marquette show how the value of hockey goaltending skills translated to a successful Guts Frisbee career.

• Scott Smith of Marquette had a lefty shot and displayed the value of high-caliber offense.

• Phil “Bud” DePetro of Marquette is a Guts Frisbee multiple champion and continues playing to this day and supporting disc golf in and around Marquette.

• James Boggio, Sr., of Eagle Harbor harkens back to the orginal competitive picnic tournaments held in their ballyard.

• Janna Field of downstate Rochester was a 1970s competitor at the Pasadena Rose Bowl All Around Frisbee events who was one of the original women to demonstrate a high level of skill.

Story contents based on email received from (person). Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.