The football players trained with Soldiers from the 91st Engineer Battalion "Saber," 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
After getting off the bus at the Engagement Skills Trainer complex parking lot, Baylor athletes were quickly put into a formation and led through Army physical readiness training. After the preparation and movement drills were complete, Saber Soldiers marched the college athletes across the street to tackle the Leadership Reaction Course. Players were broken up into small squads to work together to overcome each challenge.
"Obstacles were much harder than I thought they would be when we first saw them," said Baylor Quarterback, Seth Russell. "It was a lot of fun to not only figure them out, but to work together doing it."
Baylor football players also received hands-on training with a variety of small arms weapons, engaged targets at the EST, and learned how to breach and clear rooms at the Warrior Skills Trainer. The day ended with Soldiers showing Baylor players the Assault Breacher Vehicle, a Chemical Recon Stryker, and a Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
This event continues the relationship established earlier this year, between the 91st Eng. Bn. and the Baylor Athletic Performance team.
Through multiple partnered events with Baylor University's Athletic Performance team, Lt. Col. Coby Short, battalion commander, 91st Eng. Bn., hopes that partnering with highly successful programs like Baylor's, which was ranked fifth in the country in the college football playoff rankings in 2014, will enhance not just physical training, but readiness and organizational effectiveness.
"Through this partnership, our Soldiers have seen the intensity level and dedication it takes to succeed at the highest level of collegiate football," said Short. "We can compare and adapt our training techniques to make us a better organization. This partnership also enables Soldiers to get additional training on leader development, performance enhancement, physical readiness, and being ready and resilient."
Baylor athletes said they were grateful for the unique training.
"I appreciate the opportunity to get the chance to come out here and spend time with the Soldiers," said Patrick Levels, a junior at Baylor. "I think when you came to work out with us, you learned something from us and when we came here we learned something from everyone here, like leadership skills."
Although training objectives differ between the Saber Battalion and Baylor athletics, some goals are remarkably similar.
"We are always looking for an edge, always looking for an advantage, and we are always trying to improve young minds," said Kaz Kazadi, associate athletic director, Baylor University. "I think our time together has helped show our players the big picture and the impact they can have on the surrounding communities."
Social Sharing