Photo By Sgt. DJ Borden | Service members compete in Operation Hardwood Classic at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug....... read more read more
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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – Eight former and current college basketball coaches traveled to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to participate in a basketball tournament with Soldiers, Aug. 11 - 17.
Operation Hardwood Classic, a basketball tournament organized by Troops First Foundation, celebrated its 10th anniversary by returning to Camp Arifjan where it originally began in Aug. 2005. Eight teams composed of service members were coached by an individual coach and competed in the three day tournament from Aug. 14 - 16.
“It’s a different experience, especially learning from some of the greatest coaches,” said Devante Wright, 351st Aviation Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard. “For them to take their time out to come out here and show us what they know is a good experience for us.”
“I’m amazed at the opportunity, especially being the route that we took to join the military and still have an athletic background,” said Brandon Reid, also with the 351st. “It’s good to get some college exposure.”
The tournament was an opportunity for service members like Wright and Reid to showcase their athletic abilities and for the NCAA coaches to show their appreciation and dedication to the troops. The Troops First Foundation, also known for organizing Operation Proper Exit, organized the tournament to build the troops’ morale.
In the end the team mentored by Coach Edward Conroy, head coach at Tulane University, won the tournament against Coach Dino Gaudio, former head coach at West Point and the Atlantic Coast Conference, with a score of 61 to 51 on the final day of the competition.
Wright said the experience taught him about team cohesion and he now knows how to work better with new teammates.
Conroy also mentioned that he would be taking his experiences with the players and the lessons back home.
“The things the military have done better than anybody for one hundred years, the teamwork, dedication, discipline, and the time management all those things [I will bring back] to my guys because it helps us on our journey,” Conroy said.
After the tournament an award ceremony and autograph signing was held where basketball fans got the opportunity to chat and take photos with the coaches.
“It’s been one of the most awesome experiences I could imagine,” Conroy said.
“Every time I come I’m always impressed by the talent level not only just as basketball players but really as athletes. You get energized by the fitness level of people in the entire operation.”
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.26.2015 07:55 |
| Story ID: | 174269 |
| Location: | ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 340 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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