By James Prendergast
May 5th
The Cortland Club Ultimate Frisbee Team stepped off the field and into the community, spending a full day volunteering at the Cortland County SPCA. On Tuesday, April 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., players rotated in and out of shifts, trading their usual competitive intensity for hands-on service that supported animals in need and the staff who care for them.
Throughout the day, players took on a wide range of responsibilities that kept the shelter running smoothly. Volunteers helped clean kennels, refill food and water bowls, organize supplies, and most importantly, spend time with the animals. For many of the dogs and cats at the shelter, even a short walk or a few minutes of attention can make a meaningful difference in their behavior and well-being. By stepping in to help with these daily tasks, Team Rocket allowed staff members to focus on more specialized care while ensuring each animal received attention.
This was a good wind down for the team following a competitive and demanding season.
Many of the players said it was positive, getting to see and take care of the animals.
Drew Jashemboski, a freshman rookie to the team, said it was a positive experience.
“ I absolutely loved volunteering at the shelter, all the staff were super nice and so were the animals. I loved being able to spend time with the animals, especially the dogs as they were all so sweet.” Jashemboski said.
For Jashemboski, the experience was not only enjoyable but also eye-opening. Like many of his teammates, he gained a deeper appreciation for the work shelters do and the importance of community involvement. His time at the shelter left a lasting impression, one he hopes others will have the opportunity to experience as well.
“ I would encourage others to volunteer, it was such an amazing experience,” Jashemboski said. .”us being able to support animals without homes can bring happiness and joy to the community as they get adopted!”
When the team had down time at the shelter most of them could be found in the cat enclosure. There were clear favorites among the team, like a sokoke cat named “Bella”, who was smaller than the other cats but filled with a lot of personality. Another favorite was “Storm”, a tuxedo cat who couldn’t get enough pets and made sure to make the rounds to get as many as possible. Then, we have my personal favorite “Duck” , who was larger than the other cats but just as cute.
Jashemboski’s locked in on one of the key takeaways from the day, which is that just showing up for the animals even to simply give them some attention, or to help keep their environment clean has more of an impact than you might think. Every little bit helps the people and animals who work or reside in shelters.
In the end, Team Rocket’s day at the Cortland County SPCA left a lasting impact that extended far beyond their required service hours. The experience showed players the value of giving back and the difference even a single day of effort can make. It strengthened team bonds, provided perspective after a long season, and highlighted the importance of community involvement. As the team looks ahead to future seasons, this day will stand as a reminder that success is not only measured in wins, but also in the positive impact they leave on others.