Photo By Sgt. Ashunteia Smith | Soldiers from the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade salute the American flag during the...... read more read more
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ILLESHEIM, Germany -- “We were the ‘jokes’ of the league, we started out 0-5”, said Spc. Austin Dennison, Spartans Softball team captain, Headquarters Support Company, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade.
Like most modern day Cinderella teams, the Spartans essentially came from nothing. Rank and skill level were not factors when it came to assembling the softball team. Once arrived in Germany, they opened up their roster to new Soldiers, giving them a chance at being a part of the team. You can find Soldiers who have been playing the game all their lives, and Soldiers who never even thought to pick up a bat before joining the team.
"We went from losing every game, to playing in the regional championship game,” said Dennison.
In Army recreational sports, rotational units traditionally don’t take home trophies. Units that are permanently stationed here in Germany are typically the teams who are known, and somewhat expected, to take home the winning trophies.
Surprisingly this year, not only did the 1st CAB rotational unit make it to the softball regional championship game, they had two teams competing in regionals. Having already beat out other teams from the region, 1st CAB was guaranteed the first and second place titles. This meant the teams automatically had a spot reserved for them in the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) tournament.
The two teams that were competing for bragging rights were the 601st Aviation Support Brigade’s Headquarters Support Company, and Bravo Company. While Bravo Company was coming off of a 8-1 regular season record, the same could not be said for the Headquarters Support Company.
When the team first started their journey to the regional championships, they were nothing but benchwarmers with a record of 0-5. As they reached the half-way point of the season, new players were added, giving the team a new perspective. This infusion of energy and talent allowed them to turn things around, and become the regional champions and ultimately end their season with a record of 6-5.
The Soldiers were around each other from the time that they woke up to participate in physical training, until when they locked up their work area, signalling the end of the work day. The Soldiers loved the game so much, there were no complaints when it was time to practice.
Everyday the Soldiers treated their practices as if they were real softball games, making sure that everyone gave 100% effort. The team's leadership took notice of how motivated they were and sometimes allowed team members to be released early from work, provided they completed their daily missions. HSC leadership did not mind releasing the Soldiers a little early for the day because they saw how committed the Soldiers were to the sport and the team.
“It is a nice way for the Soldiers to increase their morale,” said Sgt. Maj. Greg Galassi, HSC, 601st ASB. “We’re more than halfway through the rotation, so this was a nice way to help ease the Soldiers who were feeling homesick.”
Despite having to endure several hot days under the sun, with long nights to follow, the Soldiers still found a way to keep up morale and stay motivated. Most Soldiers spoke about how playing softball gave them that piece of home that they were missing. As the Soldiers continued to practice, they slowly started to gain confidence.
Going into the regional championship game, the HSC Spartans did not feel too confident knowing that their opposing team, Bravo Company, had only lost one regular season game.
The HSC Spartans started out their season 0-5.
“No one really expected us to make it this far, “ said Dennison. “We had to prove them wrong.”
At the start of the game, HSC came out the gate swinging, determined to give it their all. By the fourth inning, the Spartans had already established a healthy lead of 6-2.
Throughout the game, they kept their momentum and scored in every inning. Each player had their chance at batting and playing in the outfield - there were even a few home runs.
It was only right that the Cinderella-like team, had the picture perfect ending to their long journey. HSC beat Bravo Company, 11-4 , after a seven inning game.
Players rejoiced and showed good sportsmanship towards one another as they shook hands and exchanged friendly smiles. The Brigade Commander, Col. Bryan Chivers, Brigade Command Sgt. Maj Scott Nutter, and The Brigade Command Chief Warrant Officer, CW5 Matthew Fitter, presented each team their trophies soon after that.
After the trophies were given out, Col. Chivers shared a speech highlighting the importance of morale and congratulated the Soldiers on a job well done.
“At the end of the day, winning or losing doesn’t matter because we all love the game,” said Col. Chivers, “You guys are out here creating friendships, while also building readiness and improving unit morale. That’s the most important part to take home with you.”
The HSC Spartans are now headed to the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) tournament.
“It's been a crazy ride and I’ve made a lot of good friends through this sport,” said Dennison. “I can’t wait to see what the next game has in store for us.”
| Date Taken: | 07.29.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 08.03.2019 08:11 |
| Story ID: | 334019 |
| Location: | ILLESHEIM, DE |
| Hometown: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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