Soldiers had no shortage of entertainment during Victory Week.
Whether they participated in events or merely observed and cheered on their fellow Soldiers, each contributed to the success of the many athletic activities that occurred on Custer Hill.
Whether it was basketball or soccer, football or softball, Soldiers of the 1st Infantry Division confirmed they enjoyed the time to compete against one another, but claimed it took many things for a team to achieve a championship.
For the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion flag football team, that championship was a result of a lot of practice.
"We practiced a lot before the tournament - every Monday and Wednesday," said Pvt. Christopher Brown, DHHB. Though, Spc. Roy Striblin, also of DHHB, jokingly added, there wasn't any competition. The team played a total of four games - one July 27 and three July 28.
The 1st Brigade softball team also had a tight schedule. In two days, they played a total of five games, but claimed the secret to their championship was having teammates who had played together before.
"They already know each other and work together well," said Staff Sgt. Leo Guzman, team captain. "It was fun."
More activities included the 10-mile run, which was a qualifier for the Big Red One's Army 10-Miler team. The team will compete in October at the 10-Miler in Washington, D.C.
Soldiers also competed in soccer, tug of war, dodge ball, weight lifting and basketball, but the boxing and combatives' finals July 29 may have drawn the most troop support.
Each connecting blow filled the host locations with cheers and shouts of what move a fighter should execute next. Fighters at both events explained the right training was key to any success in the ring.
"I put a lot more time and effort in training this year. That helped me out a lot to get me to the top," said Spc. Jeremy Gilmore, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, explaining he had competed for third place in the combatives competition in 2008.
"(I like) the sportsmanship," he said. "I like to go out there and watch the other guys compete and I like competing myself. This sport is outstanding."
Atalau Wiley of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, said he felt he was prepared for the Victory Week boxing tournament after losing his first fight during the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's Dragon Week earlier this year.
"I was more mentally prepared for this tournament," Wiley said. "It feels a lot better this time around just to have made it to the finals."
Each Soldier who participated in the sporting events not only carried the pride of their unit, but helped the 1st Infantry Division celebrate its lineage and history through Victory Week.
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