Joe Millon, a beloved figure in the Pacific Northwest ultimate frisbee community, stepped onto Century Fields behind the Eugene Family YMCA on Oct. 25, showing that age and illness are no match for his love of the sport. At 70, Millon returned to weekly pickup games after a year‑and‑a‑half away for treatment of a rare aggressive bladder cancer.
Back on the field
Setting up his American‑flag‑patterned camping chair and slipping on his cleats, Millon greeted fellow players, asked about their families, and offered a quick warm‑up. “Because the other guys are always saying, ‘Hey, you know you’re going to be guarding that old guy. Watch out for him,’” he laughed, noting that his reputation precedes him.
Rain fell on the already damp field, creating a softer playing surface that Millon welcomed. “I think it’ll be perfect,” he said, noting the conditions would help his footing.
Experience meets enthusiasm
The pickup squad, dubbed the “Wicked Sick Peppers,” spans generations—from South Eugene High School students to parents new to the sport and seasoned veterans like Millon. After a brief warm‑up, the team performed its traditional disc flip, won the toss, and chose to receive. The 120‑minute game saw Millon staying in for most of the action, snatching discs with one hand and delivering precise hucks to teammates.
Millon’s ultimate journey began in the mid‑1970s at the University of Oregon, when a group of freshmen improvised games before learning the official name. He has played barefoot on the Washington Jefferson Park overpass and at the former Howe Field, often three or four times a week throughout his life.
Support from fellow players
Long‑time friend Pat Harris, now 63, recalls playing tournaments with Millon in the 1980s, traveling from Calgary to Eugene and Corvallis. Harris describes Millon as a reliable, solid offensive player who always makes the right cut. “Failure is not in Joe’s makeup,” Harris said, recalling Millon’s determined comeback after cancer treatment.
During chemotherapy, Millon purchased a pair of $140 Tokay ultimate cleats, keeping them on his dresser as a symbol of his resolve. “I’m going to survive this. I’m going to be putting those on,” he said, and he has kept that promise.
Competing beyond Oregon
This summer, Millon traveled to tournaments in San Diego and Colorado, where he impressed teammates with a break‑side pass into the wind that led to a three‑throw score. Kyle Cristoph, 52, praised Millon’s reliability, noting he practices more throws than most players combined. “Most people his age are not playing at all, and he’s not only playing; he’s contributing,” Cristoph added.
Millon also enjoys disc golf, a hobby he picked up during the pandemic with Harris. The pair often spend Sunday mornings testing disc flight, recently beating two younger opponents with three straight birdies.
Looking ahead
Later this week, Millon will fly to Sarasota, Florida, for the Sarasota Sunset ultimate tournament, joining a Northwest regional squad. He remains realistic about his abilities, acknowledging his age: “I’m old. I can’t expect to do all of that at that high of a level. But I want to see what I can do, and that’s what keeps me going.”
Joe Millon’s story is a testament to perseverance, community spirit, and the unifying power of sport in Lane County.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
