IWAKUNI, Japan - Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 won the Commander’s Cup 3 vs. 3 Basketball Tournament that took place inside the IronWorks Gym aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 10, 2014.
Each match was an eight minute timed game played using half of a court.
MWSS-171 won their first game over Combat Logistics Company 36, and their second game over Marine Aircraft Group 12. Coming into the semifinals, MWSS-171 had to face off against the undefeated Air Traffic Control team. With a victory over ATC, MWSS-171 moved onto the final game against MAG-12. MAG-12 had previously been defeated by MWSS-171 in their second game, but had won every game since. With a decisive win, MWSS-171 scored 11 points while MAG-12 scored 5.
The tournament was the first event in the 2014 Commander’s Cup, awarding $100, a trophy and 10 Commander’s Cup points to MWSS-171. MAG-12 was awarded a trophy, $75 and seven Commander’s Cup points for the second place prize. ATC received 5 points for placing third.
The Commander’s Cup is a series of sports-related competitions allowing any unit who wishes to participate the chance to compete for money for their unit funds and bragging rights associated for winning events.
Most people would agree events outside the workplace help build relationships by allowing individuals to have fun in a less stressful environment.
“With the Commander’s Cup, the whole concept is unit camaraderie,” said Jason Knight, intramural sports coordinator with Marine Corps Community Services. “Most units have a pretty good rapport with their junior ranking Marines, but we try to encourage them to step away from the day-to-day activities to do something that’s fun.”
Sgt. Michael Diaz, aviation operations specialist and headquarters training chief with MAG-12, said he enjoys the Commander’s Cup challenges because, “it’s fun to get together with the unit and represent your unit in a positive way.”
Almost every unit in the Marine Corps likes the idea of bragging rights and being known as the best.
“I would be lying if I said we didn’t come out here to win,” said Diaz. “We came out here to get some credibility back at MAG-12 because we have some athletes and we are going to flaunt them.”
Despite the loss to MWSS-171, Diaz and the MAG-12 team finished second, gained some credibility and look to capture more spotlight at future Commander’s Cup events.
Some upcoming future events include ultimate frisbee, sand volleyball and gladiators event.
For further information on future competitions, contact Jason Knight at 253-3067.