Music permeated Training-Area 107 on Fort Leonard Wood as trainees tested their performance and resiliency with the Soldiers of the World Class Athlete Program.
WCAP selects Soldier-athletes from across the Army, providing them with opportunities to compete nationally, internationally, and even on the Olympic and Paralympic levels. According to the WCAP website, 446 Soldiers have represented the United States at the summer and winter Olympic Games since 1948.
Beyond training for competition, WCAP provides Mobile Training Teams to facilitate and instruct Total Soldier Enhancement Training across the Army. March 6 through 9, trainees from 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment, had the chance to work with these Soldiers.
Specifically tailored to increase Soldiers' performance and resiliency through coaching in four specific performance techniques: refocusing, deliberate breathing, imagery, and routines, trainees took rotations through five stations to test their abilities.
Sgt. Whitney Conder, a women's freestyle wrestler with WCAP, directed the gymnastics station to help trainees with strength, endurance and body control.
"Having a high-performance mindset is key to overcoming obstacles, whether it's a workout, a physical fitness test or a match," she stated.
Although the nearly three-hour training was rigorous, it was a life-changing experience for many of the trainees. From cartwheels to Bulgarian training bags, music and motivating instructors, trainees jumped at the chance to learn, as well as have a little fun.
Trainee, Pfc. Aaron Elissa, of Company F, who runs a 10:50-minute 2-mile, took the chance to talk with the athletes about his own possible future with the WCAP.
"I had a blast, it was one of the best workouts that we've had (during Initial Entry Training). The motivating aspect along with the inspirational athletes made a huge difference. I took so much away from the training, such as the breathing and mindset exercises." Elissa said. "I am very interested and would love the opportunity to be a part of the WCAP team."
The WCAP team will return to Fort Leonard Wood in April to instruct an in-depth TSET for the command teams and drill sergeants of 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment.
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