FORT RUCKER, Ala. (June 13, 2014) -- Fort Rucker has one of the top running teams in the country, placing second in its division last year in the Army 10-Miler, and the team is looking for recruits to fill out its ranks.
Now that potential Flyers are up on their feet at practices and watching miles of road pass underneath, team captain David Seymour, a staff sergeant at the NCO Academy, hopes that more participants will try out for the Fort Rucker 10-Mile Team, the Fort Rucker Flyers.
"This is a great way to get in shape and meet fellow runners in the Army Family," he said. "Trying out for the team could be an individual's chance to represent something larger than themself. To wear the Fort Rucker uniform and compete against other Soldiers wearing their respective post's uniform is a rare opportunity."
The only tryout requirement is Soldiers must be active duty or on active-duty status.
The team will have eight runners made up of men and women, said Seymour, adding that they run in the mixed division.
"Two alternates will also be chosen, but they do not travel to Washington, D.C., with us," he said.
The team will be decided from active tryout participants Aug. 11, and the Army 10-Miler will be Oct. 12.
"We will have a 5-mile run off July 13 and a 10-mile race Aug. 10," he said. "Practice participation, overall performance, attitude and a participant's results from these runs will be the factors used for the final cut."
Participants will also be asked to participate in a few local races to see where they stand throughout the summer, as well.
"Even if a person doesn't make the team, they will get all the benefits of the workouts and networking with some great people," said the team captain. "And all practices are open to any service member willing to come out. Even if they just want to run with the team for a week to prep for a physical fitness test. Everyone of all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to come out."
Practice locations vary, but the mandatory practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 a.m. Makeup practices are held the same afternoons at 6 p.m. Sundays are also mandatory at 6 a.m. Monday and Wednesday practices are held at 6 p.m., but are optional.
Seymour said that there is no rank at practices, adding that he plans to develop the team with a great base -- with the foundation being cooperation and dedication.
"We are all runners and will treat each other equally and respectfully. Same goes for skill level," he said. "Participants being a better runner doesn't mean they are a better person. Everyone is out trying to make this team better."
Last year, the team finished 17th overall out of more than 450 teams, and Seymour expects this year's team to be just as competitive.
"The start and finish lines are on the grounds of the Pentagon. It is a truly humbling and amazing experience. You run past several monuments, and the whole city is out there to support you," he said.
The race draws in 35,000 runners, to include disabled runners, world class athletes, beginners and neo-competitive runners, he continued.
"To see it all culminate in our nation's capital is just breath taking," he concluded.
For more information on tryouts, call at (334) 400-5582.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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