St. John's High School Senior, Evan Winograd is well known in the Houston and Texas Ultimate community as an outstanding player. If all goes well this weekend, he may get the opportunity to showcase his athletic talent with the world watching.

Oh, and by the way, the US Juniors are the reigning world champions. No pressure.

When and how were you introduced to Ultimate?

At Spanish camp the summer before 9th grade. Another camper played for a team in D.C. and during our free time we would play Ultimate.

How do you describe Ultimate to folks who've never heard of it like your parents or grandparents?

Ultimate is like American football because you have to score in the end zone but only players without the disc can move. The disc is advanced towards the end zone by throwing it to your other players.

What position do you play? Can you relate it to a position in another sport, say soccer or basketball, so that our readers can better understand the game?

Recently I've been "handling" a lot. The handler has the same job as a point guard in basketball.

What's been the best moment thus far in your Ultimate career?

In my first tournament, Texas2Finger in Dallas, with Black Angus (Houston mens team), I got a layout D [blocked a pass] on the first point. The next point I got a layout catch in the end zone [for a score]. It was a great start to my career.

More with the Boy Wonder after the jump.

What's your jersey number? And, why did you choose it?

My jersey # is 2. I don't remember why I picked it, but at school next year I'll be switching to 19. It's the number of my mentor, Sean McCall. Sean is very involved in high school ultimate in Houston. He taught me the basics of the game and is one of the best players in the country. Without him I wouldn't have a shot at making Team USA.

We've heard that some universities are beginning to offer Ultimate as a varsity sport. Did that figure into your decision of where to attend college?

Not at all...I have been accepted to the School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis. Of course, if Wash U. starts giving out scholarships, it would probably make my parents pretty happy.

Tell us about your school project of building a Frisbee disc throwing machine.

I think the process started with my thinking..."Hey, wouldn't it be cool if I had a machine that could throw discs?" I started thinking about pitching machines and how a disc flies and a fellow Ultimate player suggested using a bike tire. During the building process, I was told about a machine that some MIT grad students made which was the same idea that I had but mine isn't quite as fancy.

Don't sweat it. They're grad school nerds, and you're still in high school. We know you're smart, but what's your biggest strength and weakness on the field?

My weakness is my height, but I make up for it with my jumping, so I guess that jumping is my strength.

Tell us about your training regimen. Do you do anything special to prepare for Ultimate season? Did you start any special training once you were selected for the national team trials?

Most of my training comes from playing Ultimate. I play at least once a week and often times play three or four times per week. I've joined the track team this year and that will help me with my speed and endurance.

Do you have any idea what to expect at the Junior National Team trials?

I attended the tryouts two years ago back when I lacked some essential skills. The first day will include 40 yard sprints, 70 yard sprints, throwing and marking drills, and a mile run at the end of the first day. All of the runs will be timed. The second day will be a lot of scrimmaging.

What do you think will be the most challenging portion of the trials?

Battling the cold. It will be in the 40s and rainy. And, I'm not used to that being from Houston and all.

What happens after you make the team? Will you get some practice time together? Will you travel to any tournaments?

If I make the team, there will be a tournament over the summer to get practice time with the team and then the next time we get together will be at Worlds.

Which country will present the stiffest competition at Junior Nationals?

I think the toughest country will either by Japan or Canada, but I'm not all that sure.

How are you funding your trip to Seattle for the trials? What about for Worlds in Vancouver?

Funding comes from my parents who love me very much. I have to make it sound good because chances are they'll be reading this.

Good point...and good luck this weekend.

Thanks.

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Photos courtesy of Evan Winograd.