Photo By Sgt. Dani Salvatore | Graydon Hutchinson, a member of the Liberty Bicycle Motocross Team, places 8th in the...... read more read more
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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Iraq veteran Staff Sgt. Gray Robert Hutchinson is an Active Guard Reserve combat medic in the Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Special Troops Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company stationed in Springfield Ohio. He has been defending freedom serving in the military for more than 17 years and has completed four tours overseas. His selfless service does not end with his commitment to defending his country. When he is not fighting for freedom, he is helping others enjoy it.
“I would describe BMX (Bicycle Motocross) as a sense of freedom,” said Hutchinson. “All formats of riding gives you that rush and thrill of flying through the air or just going fast.” It is a sport that he has 37 years of experience with.
The love of the sport runs in the family, his sons Graydon and Myles also participate in BMX.
While Gray enjoys the freedom he finds in BMX, his sons enjoy the challenge of the sport and the social support the team offers.
“I like it because it’s fun to go fast on the track and going into the turns in a pack of riders full speed and fighting through the traffic to get out front,” said Graydon. He won five national races last year, four of them consecutive.
“I like BMX because I have made so many friends. Every race my dad takes me to I have friends there, and it keeps me in shape for hockey!" said Myles. While he participates in BMX mainly for fun, he is competitive, placing first and second in separate classes during state championships.
Hutchinson used to compete, but now he uses his experience and passion to support his kids in the sport and mentor others.
He is the assistant team manager of Liberty BMX, a team established in 2006 dedicated to those who serve. To be a member of this team you must be military member, police officer, fire fighters, emergency services employee, Department of Defense employee, or a veteran or dependent of anyone of these professions.
“We chose Liberty BMX because we all have a common thread in our backgrounds, public service,” said Hutchinson. “Any race I go to anywhere in the country, if I see a Liberty BMX rider, it's like we already know each other and we instantly become a cohesive unit ready for the challenges for that weekends race.”
BMX can come with obstacles in addition to the ones on the course. Hutchinson said that at times riders may need bike repairs, equipment, or support, and the team is ready to offer a helping hand anytime.
“We are a unit anywhere we go,” said Hutchinson. “You won’t find another team like this one.”
Hutchinson was inspired to coach when he witnessed youth not reaching their potential with the sport. According to Hutchinson the Liberty team provides direction and mentorship to youth. The team offers a program called “The 1st Ten Weeks”.
“This program gives new riders a structured course to teach the rider and the parent how things work and also basic skills needed to navigate the track.” He said that this approach in a BMX team is innovative and offers riders more support in their training and competition.
Hutchinson's ability as a coach has been influenced greatly by his military experience.
"Coaching is a balancing act of discipline, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and compassion," Hutchinson said. "I have used this same balancing act throughout my time in the military as a noncommissioned officer."
"Coaching is part platoon sergeant, part instructor," said Hutchinson. "Molding student athletes into smart, respectful, and well trained citizens is a great feeling."
While coaching offers youth an innovative approach to training for BMX, he is also able to use the opportunity to strengthen his family. With his sons on the team, he is able to spend time with them enjoying a sport they all love.
"Coaching my kids helps us bond together as a squad," said Hutchison.
They spend three to four days a week at a BMX track together and also spend time reviewing BMX footage and developing strategies to improve their skills, much like a sergeant spends time with their squad going over drills and training to advance their skills as a Soldier.
Just as an NCO motivates his Soldiers to achieve their objectives, Hutchinson coaches his kids to establish goals and overcome obstacles to reach them.
His son Graydon said he wants to become a BMX Olympian, which his dad inspires him to work toward.
“My Dad said he already knows I can make it to the top with hard work, dedication, and eating well so that’s what I am going to do," said Graydon.
With his kids on the team Hutchinson said he is able to teach his kids many life lessons while coaching. He said BMX encourages values such as respect and integrity while also promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"We also maintain a very high level of respect for other riders and good sportsmanship is a must," said Hutchinson.
His son Graydon represented this during a recent race. Graydon was in second place and approaching first when he barely avoided a wreck with another rider. Hutchinson said that instead of continuing on to advance his place, he turned back to help the rider who wrecked.
"Although he gave up some points for that race, his thoughtfulness and caring attitude is worth a million points," said Hutchinson.
Hutchinson has been able to provide mentorship for youth and spend quality time with his sons by coaching the Liberty BMX team, all while utilizing his values and experience as a sergeant to encourage riders. He said he felt that he would have benefited from having a BMX coach and hopes to give youth the opportunity so that they can advance in the sport.
To his kids, the team is more than a sport, it's an opportunity to spend time with their dad, progress toward their goals, and benefit from a close knit support system Myles refers to it as his "BMX family".
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.06.2014 11:21 |
| Story ID: | 128877 |
| Location: | SPRINGFIELD, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 313 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A family on track, by SGT Dani Salvatore, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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