To McConnell, basketball more than a sport

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maurice A. Hodges
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - --  The McConnell Airmen dove head first into battle against three Army basketball teams: Fort Carson, Colo., Fort Leavenworth Griffins, and Fort Riley Knights, Kan.

The games were part of a two-day basketball tournament at Fort Riley that took place Aug. 4 and 5, 2012.

"As the only Air Force team in the league, the athletes from McConnell not only represented their base but also the Air Force," said Glenn Johnson, 22nd Contracting Squadron contract specialist/business advisor, and head coach.

In preparation for the tournament held at Fort Riley, the athletes practiced twice a week.

To these men, this tournament meant more than just playing basketball on the court.

"Since Fort Leavenworth is a disciplinary barracks that houses prisoners, we don't get off base as frequently like other bases," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Sean Davis, 92 Garrison Platoon dining facility manager. "These basketball tournaments give us a chance to come out to enjoy sports while competing against other bases."

The teams were eager to compete, from the first jump ball to the final buzzer of the very last quarter.

"The benefits of the games are that there is practice three nights a weeks, which has helped the players' physical fitness," said Army Capt. Michael Meyers, 1st Infantry Division G4 plans officer and coach. "The basketball tournaments also give people at Fort Riley the opportunity to cheer for their teams."

The entire weekend families and friends cheered in the stands for their teams.

"Even though the Tornadoes went into the tournament outnumbered, they made up in heart, aggression, courage and pure competiveness," says Johnson.

Basketball and operational Air Force share one thing in common: teamwork.

"The players on the team are leaders in their communities," said Johnson. "Being on a team makes you a better Airman, a better husband and a better supervisor."

The coaches encourage military members to participate in sports to learn teamwork skills that would benefit military and all areas of life.

The McConnell Tornadoes, along with ten other base teams, will participate in the Central U.S Military Basketball Conference, a new program that will begin this November.