Airmen hit the gridiron to build teamwork Published Oct. 10, 2014 By Senior Airman Trevor Rhynes 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Airmen around base have a variety of ways to stay in shape. There's the gym, various running trails, and even nutrition classes. Some Airmen, however, take to the gridiron as a way to maintain fitness and build camaraderie. "Well, I keep doing it for the fun, teamwork and exercise," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Blackwell, 22nd Communications Squadron assistant NCO in charge of knowledge management. "We just come out here for a good time and to hang out." Some Airmen here have played a competitive game of football since their high school years. "I was a captain back then, and I like to come out here to relive my past football days," said Airman 1st Class Brannon Burch, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "This team is like a second family, being with them is a good time." It's all about teamwork for both groups. From one game to the next, from practice to practice, it's about motivating each other to compete. "I get a rush before the game starts," Blackwell said. "We want to come out and win and we get fired up as a team. I just try to do my best." The AMXS team came on to the field more prepared than their opponent, and came out of the game with a victory. "I just missed the last two weeks because I was on leave, and we ended up losing the first two games our squadron has lost in three years," said Burch. "We had to come out here tonight and get a good team win." Although losing isn't the most ideal outcome, Blackwell said he stays motivated to compete in each game. "We keep our spirits up, since we might not win every game, we still come out motivated to play," Blackwell said.