Tournament builds morale

Photo By Matthew Manning | Eric J. Hansen, right, a wide receiver for the Marine Air Support Squadron 2 team, races the ball up the field as Jonathan Harris, linebacker for the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 team, sprints after him during the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Flag Football Tournament held on Marine Corps Aircraft Station Futenma Sept. 12.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

09.15.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines from the MAW battled on the gridiron at the first game of the 1st MAW Flag Football Tournament Sept. 12 between the Marine Air Support Squadron 2 team and Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 team. The tournament, taking place at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, is limited to units in 1st MAW.
Because the tournament, which began Sept. 12 and runs through Nov. 10, is limited to the one command, players said they are looking forward to the outcome.
“I am looking forward to see how many units we can get in the tournament,” said Demarcus D. Mitchell, a free safety and running back for the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 team. “This is the first time the MAW has done something like this.”
According to Mitchell, participating in a tournament is something fun for a unit to do aside from the normal routine.
“Tournaments like this bring all the units together,” said Wilton W. Nisbeth, a wide receiver for the Marine Air Support Squadron 2 team. “You get to interact with units from all over in the games. It is the sportsmanship that brings us all together. It is good for all of us to come out here and do something other than our job by performing as athletes.”
The kick-off game for the tournament was held Sept. 12, and the MAW has games scheduled every Monday-Thursday.
“The tournament is a nine-week season,” said John C. Bateman, one of the commentators for the 1st MAW Flag Football Tournament. “After that, the top four teams will participate in a double-elimination bracket. We have eight teams playing from all over the MAW, one of which is the 1st MAW Navy team. I am excited to see how they do against all the Marine teams.”
According to Nisbeth, even though the tournament is designed to be a fun time for all who come out, the skill level and competitiveness of the players is not lacking.
“There are some good players out here,” said Nisbeth. “Our defensive line was able to keep the other team from scoring.
“We have a lot of top notch players, which is good because as a whole, Marines are competitive,” he said. “Whenever you are playing sports with Marines it is going to be interesting. It is good to play with Marines. We are willing to do all we can in order to win. It is good to come out and play against real competitors.”
Bateman stated that despite the strong desire for victory shared by all who set foot on the field, the will to win does not hinder the players from showing respect and good sportsmanship while playing.
“A lot of times, during a flag football game, you will see players really trying to hit the other team hard,” said Bateman. “Tonight was a good game though because we didn’t have any of that. Both teams were going for the flags, not for hits.”
According to Bateman, anyone who is looking for a game to go watch and to have a little fun during the week, the 1st MAW Flag Football Tournament is a great way to spend some time after hours.
“I plan on coming out to commentate until I leave Okinawa in November,” said Bateman. “Even though the game was only an hour and a half, it was an hour and a half of fun and time I would have otherwise spent in the barracks.”
For more about the tournament games, call 645-7656.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2011
• Date Posted: 09.15.2011 03:51
• Story ID: 77067
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP