Cycle man

Photo By Benny Ontiveros | U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Newton, U.S. Army Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Bragg, N.C., observes the tank trail that he and other athletes will be riding on at the 2015 U.S. Army Trials cycling practice event at Fort Bliss, Texas, on March 23, 2015. About 80 wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans from across the country will compete for spots on their service teams for the Department of Defense Warrior Games 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Benny Ontiveros)  

FORT BLISS, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

03.25.2015

Story by Benny Ontiveros 

Army Recovery Care Program

FORT BLISS, TEXAS – The click of the gear, the release of the brake and the sound of the wind. This is a soothing sound for the wounded warriors participating in the 2015 U.S. Army Trials practice cycling event at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Several wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and veterans gathered to practice at the cycling event today. For one Soldier, this practice brings out a friendly competitiveness and enjoyable engagement with professional coaches and fellow athletes.

U.S. Army Sgt. Steven Newton’s competitive nature led him from U.S. Army Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to the Army Trials in Texas. He wants to compete and put his skills to the test in the cycling competition.

Although he does not consider himself disabled, cycling is one of two events that he will be competing in.

“I do deal with a behavioral health issue but I do not feel disabled. Cycling helps rid any anxiety, not just in me but in every athlete,” he said.

The 2015 Army Trials are hosted by Fort Bliss and conducted by the Warrior Transition Command March 29 through April 2. More than 80 wounded, ill and injured service members (both active duty and veterans) from across the country are competing for spots on the Department of Defense 2015 Warrior Games Army Team. Department of Defense Warrior Games will be in June at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia, and will include teams from the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Special Operations Command.

The Army Trials are known for showcasing the resilient spirit of wounded, ill and injured Soldiers and Veterans.

“I have the great opportunity to work with these resilient individuals and I have never seen a more dedicated group wanting to showcase their abilities,” said Joe Hydrick, cycling coach, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Newton is one of Hydrick’s athletes, and his dedication to the cycling event helps pave a path for any wounded warrior wanting to compete and work with professionals in the adaptive sports competition.

“My advice to any athlete is to come give it a try,” said Newton.

• Date Taken: 03.25.2015
• Date Posted: 03.25.2015 21:58
• Story ID: 158111
• Location: FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US