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The University of Colorado Mamabird, the men鈥檚 club ultimate Frisbee team, is hosting a Oct. 29 in memory of a CU Engineering alum who was killed in 2009.

Andrew "Stitches" Gelston Graham earned his civil engineering degree in 2008 from CU Boulder and planned to return for graduate school. He was shot and killed near his family鈥檚 home in Centennial on Nov. 6, 2009, in what investigators believe was a random act of violence.

As a student, Graham did independent research on water quality and worked after graduation as a field services engineer in Alaska. He also was an avid ultimate Frisbee player.

His nickname, "Stitches," stemmed from his first ultimate match, where he smacked his head against another player, sending them both to the ER. Graham left with 32 stitches.

After his death, the team retired his number, 55, and now wears it on their uniform sleeves in his memory. His mother, Cyndi Gelston, formed the to honor his life and support causes important to him.

This weekend, the two groups are combining for a free, coed Frisbee tournament to honor Andrew鈥檚 memory. Now in its eighth year, the tournament has drawn anywhere from 30 to 100 players in the past, and all ages, genders and skill levels are invited to participate.

Gelston will be present to collect donations for the charitable foundation, which typically supports and a scholarship fund for graduate students in the Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 say enough good things about the University of Colorado and the Mamabirds, because they鈥檝e been with me through this whole process,鈥� Gelston said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e always there. They鈥檙e always supportive. It鈥檚 like I have a whole bunch of sons instead of one.鈥�

Mamabird coach Mike Lun said he鈥檚 proud to continue the tournament tradition. He said he鈥檚 excited to pull together youth and college-level Frisbee players and bring the community together in Graham鈥檚 memory.

The event will include three rounds of scrimmages, including a final competition between current CU players and alumni. Participants are asked to rate their skill level at signup for division into teams.

Although Lun and most current team members never knew Graham, they are enthusiastic about supporting Gelston, who remains an important part of the Mamabirds family, he said.

鈥淭he tradition started before me, but it鈥檚 just so easy to see why it鈥檚 important for everybody,鈥� Lun said. 鈥淥ne thing with the team that we try to preach is the good work ethic and being good people. Everything on the field just kind of takes care of itself if you can do those two things.鈥�