SAVANNAH, Ga. - The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade held its first ever Marne Air March Madness basketball tournament at Tominac Fitness Center on Hunter Army Airfield March 19-21. Along with the basketball tournament which included teams from every unit in the 3rd CAB, individuals also competed in a three-point and slam dunk competition.
The 3rd CAB commander, Col. John D. Kline, said these events build camaraderie. A rousing "hooah" came from the crowd when he asked if they liked the basketball tournament and wanted to do it again.
"It's events like this that help bring us together as a team," said Kline. "These events are a lot of fun, and I don't think anybody would argue that."
The championship game included teams from 603rd Aviation Support Battalion and 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment.
The teams played for 20 minutes with the 603rd jumping on top first. Their lead would be brief though as the 1-3 ARB came back and led 14-13 at the half. After a hard fought, brutally contested second half, 1-3 ARB held on to become the first ever champions of the Marne Air March Madness tournament winning by a score of 29-28.
Army Lt. Col Brian Schaap, battalion commander, 1-3 ARB, was on hand through the entire game. When his team won, he was exuberant.
"It feels pretty awesome bringing home the very first Marne Air March Madness trophy," said Schapp. "Go Vipers," he added.
Following the basketball game, Pfc. Warren Napper won the slam dunk contest and Spc. Percy Stabler won the three-point contest, respectively.
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