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Katie E. Battison

The beginnings of MUD go back to the spring of 1998, when a small group of people began playing pickup on the town green. Mostly composed of students at the local high school, the group's games ranged from 8 to 40 people playing casually enough for anyone to join in. After the school year ended, a core group remained to play twice a week throughout the summer. For many, it was the last summer before college or a career: their last chance to be with each other before the trials of the "real world" set in.

Katie Battison, a graduate that summer, was one of those few who was always ready to play. Though her first love was in the stables, we like to think that ultimate was not far behind. Her riding took her far from home, winning her medals and ribbons and trophies all over the country, but it was in the center of town where we saw her at her finest. She competed fiercely but spiritfully with everyone on the ultimate field, whether they were college-aged or 3rd graders. She knocked the captain of the state-champion football team on his back one day while catching a pass; everyone was stunned, except Katie.

Later that summer, a severe car accident took Katie from all of us, leaving a hole not just on the ultimate field, but in the saddle, in the classroom, and in everyone's hearts. The response from the community was overwhelming, and ways to carry on Katie's memory were soon established. A scholarship was created at Daniel Hand High School, where Katie had graduated earlier that summer; it is offered yearly, in coordination with Youth Services, to one person who exhibits those values that Katie held closest to her.

For those who knew her as a friend, contributing to a scholarship fund through private donations did little to help them honor the person they knew. Looking to the example set by the equestrian community, where her name became tied to an annual competition, they sought to honor her in a similar way. The idea of an ultimate tournament was born in the summer of 2000 with the first MUD. Since then, MUD has been held every summer, with many of her friends returning to play, watch, and volunteer. We hope that you'll join us in this celebration of Katie's life.