FRISBEE : Dushman Steps Up a Class at the U.S. Open

Competing against women twice her age, Wendy Dushman of Canoga Park launched a personal best of 100 yards in the recent U.S. Open Frisbee Disc Championships.

But Dushman, 16, who had set a junior distance record of 90 yards in the World Junior Frisbee Championships last October, did not get credit for a junior record in last week’s competition at La Mirada Regional Park because she competed in the adult division.

Dushman, in surpassing her previous best by 10 yards, tied for eighth overall in a field of 41 women and qualified for the distance semifinals. She did not advance to the final four. The winner threw 118 yards.

“The women’s distances were dramatically improved from what they have been in the past,” said Dan Roddick, manager of sports promotions for Frisbee-maker Wham-O. “The same kind of throw that Wendy had this year would have put her into the finals in the past.”

Dushman was also one of 10 semifinalists in accuracy throwing. She advanced to the semifinals by making 10 out of 28 throws through 5-foot hoops from 40 yards away. In the semifinals, Dushman only made 8 of 28 to finish eighth.

Dushman, competing in her last year of junior eligibility, was bolstered by her successful showing in the adult division.

“It was kind of tough but it was neat to see what others are doing when they’re 25,” Dushman said. “It helps me see what I can be doing if I keep it up until I’m that age.”

In the maximum time aloft competition, Dushman’s best throw of 9.7 seconds did not count because she failed to catch it. Competing in Frisbee golf for the first time in five months, Dushman failed to place. She did not compete in the freestyle competition.

In the men’s competition, Jon Slater of Burbank placed 71st overall to record the best finish among Valley-area entries. Courtland Hitz of Woodland Hills placed 141st and Kevin Wynn of Burbank finished in 145th place.