SAN DIEGO - Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego hosted their annual Commanding Generals Cup Scratch Bowling Tournament Feb. 22 at the Recreation Center.
Fifty-four MCRD active duty service members and staff competed for the opportunity to showcase a trophy in their workspace.
“I’ve been coming to this competition for five years and have never wanted to win until this year,” said Lewis Sheffield, Human Resources lead assistant. “It was nice of the commanding general to give civilians time off to bowl with the shop. It brings the morale up and motivates the civilians to be a team like the Marines.”
Sheffield played on a team with fellow civilians, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. Some shops, like 12th Marine Corps District and Recruiters School, had so many players that they had to form two teams.
“I came out here to support 12th Marine Corps District,” said Sgt. Stephanie Shaw, administrative clerk, 12th MCD. “Plus, when Marines have fun together they become closer and competition is always good.”
All of the shops teamed up with one another to play three games of bowling on the eight available lanes. The bowlers were allotted 10-minutes to practice before the games began. Winners were later determined based on individual scores.
First place went to Master Sgt. Leodis Smith, Recruiter School student. Second place was Master Sgt. Demetrius Bell, also a Recruiter School student. Third place went to Billy Williams, Marine Corps Community Services Fitness Center, fourth place Gunnery Sgt. Byron Jacobson, armory chief.
“It felt great placing in a winning spot out of so many other competitive bowlers,” said Jacobson. “I had a lot of fun bowling with my shop. It’s important we have a way to connect outside of the work environment.”
There are many CG Cup sports events for depot personnel to participate in year around with their shops or individually. These provide additional opportunities for shops to stay active.
“It’s important to have sports on the depot,” said Renaud Villedieu, athletics director. “It helps bring camaraderie in the shops and time to relax outside of the office. Plus the Marine Corps is all about competition.”