All-Star Flag Football challenges north, south community teams

By Lauressa Reese, U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and RecreationJanuary 26, 2011

All-Star Flag Football challenges north, south community teams
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - As family members and friends filled the stands, Jan. 5, at the football field, here, players' adrenaline and morale were high.

Players sprinted up and down the field and ran drills in preparation to win the last flag football game of the season. They had played 10 regular games and three playoff games, but the contest came down to this last game.

"(It's a) great sport for the Soldiers," said Staff Sgt. Paul Awong, 30th Signal Battalion, 516th Sig. Brigade, 311th Sig. Command. "It shows good sportsmanship, camaraderie and builds morale."

Richard Kam at the Sports Office came up with the idea of pitting the best players from the southside, Fort Shafter and Tripler Army Medical Center, against the best from the north, Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield.

The Fort Shafter All-Stars won the final game, 34-26, against the Schofield Barracks All-Stars.

"Soldiers have an opportunity to come together and meet new people," said Spc. Alvin Jenkins, 1st Bn., 14th Infantry Regiment, "Golden Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. "The activities boost our morale and give us something to look forward to after work. The staff is always nice and fair."

The game was the first-ever All-Star Flag Football game, here, and the Soldiers loved it.

"Intramural sports offer so many benefits to Soldiers," Jenkins said. "Soldiers are able to stay active outside of regular (physical training) and enjoy something they love. Combining high-adrenaline activities and organized teamwork provides opportunities to accomplish missions outside of the normal duty day. Soldiers are not only motivated to complete their mission at work, but also (to win) a game on the field."

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Wright, 536th Maintenance Company, 45th Sustainment Bde., 8th Theater Sust. Command, was pumped about the game.

"Sports are a good break for Soldiers; it allows us to get away from the unit and have fun," Wright said.

"Families are also an intricate part of intramural sports," Wright said. The support they provide created an amazing atmosphere to the game. Children played and danced, as their dads ran up and down the field; wives smiled happily at their husbands, enjoying themselves, and friends cheered on their favorite team."

"I enjoy coming to the games," said Danielle Montgomery, whose husband, Justin, was playing for the Fort Shafter All-Stars.

"My husband loves playing. (Intramurals are) very organized and taken seriously here," Montgomery added. "At our last duty station, it was not taken as serious."

Visit www.mwrarmyhawaii.com to learn more about FMWR's sports programs like volleyball and tennis.

Related Links:

FMWR-Hawaii website