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Wolfhounds win Guadalcanal Cup for third year in a row

By Spc. Benjamin AndersonJanuary 23, 2023

Wolfhounds win Guadalcanal Cup
The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team command team receives the Guadalcanal Cup from the 25th Infantry Division command team during an awards presentation for winning the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Week Dec. 8, 2022 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The 25th ID Tropic Lightning Week is an opportunity for the entire division to come together and compete for the Guadalcanal Cup. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Mariah Aguilar) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii – The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, competed in the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Week Dec. 5 - 7, and won the Guadalcanal Cup for their third year in a row Dec. 8, 2022 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

The road to victory was not a perfect one for the Wolfhounds. Going into the third day of events, they were in fifth place with three major events still on the board, ultimate frisbee, softball and the best team competition.

Having won the last two years, every competitor had their game face on and the cup was up for grabs.

Ultimate Frisbee Championship
1st Lt. First Zachary Wall, ultimate frisbee team captain, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, catches the frisbee while a defender is draped over his back during the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Week ultimate frisbee championship game at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 2022. The 25th ID Tropic Lightning Week is a week-long, division-wide event comprised of 18 competitive events designed to build cohesion, increase morale, and celebrate the division's history. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy Gray) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Gray) VIEW ORIGINAL
“Last year, we lost in the semi-finals to 2-25 Aviation. This year we selected the team prior to JPMRC and practiced daily during the three weeks leading up to TLW,” said 1st Lt. Zachary Wall, ultimate frisbee team captain. “We have experience, a little new blood, and a chip on our shoulder from last year that set us on our course to win.”

Preparations across the battalion officially began the week before Tropic Lightning Week, where the Wolfhounds trained and held practices for their respective events.

For some teams, like ultimate frisbee, practice began upon the conclusion of Joint Pacific Multinational Training Rotation 23-01, giving them and others more time to mature on the field.

In total, there were 18 events ranging from a talent show to tug-of-war, and esports to flag football. For most of the categories, first place received 10 points, seven for second place, five for third place and three points for fourth.

In an effort to put emphasis behind combat readiness events, the division commander sided to make combatives, weightlifting and the best team competition double point categories, creating a sense of urgency on filling out those teams first.

Best team competition
The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, best team navigates from one event to another during the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Week best team competition Dec. 7, 2022, at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The 25th ID Tropic Lightning Week is an opportunity for the entire division to come together and compete for the Guadalcanal Cup. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Chad Adams) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
“The best team competition consisted of multiple physical and mental tests out in East Range,” said 1st. Lt. Jamal Husien, best team captain. “Knowing that best team was double points, each battalion sent their best soldiers to compete. I’m glad we gave it everything we had and won.”

In total, the Wolfhounds won best team, ultimate frisbee and volleyball, they placed second in softball, and in the top three of nearly every other event.

Despite having fewer first place finishes than other units, their overall showing accumulated 79 points, winning the cup by just six points over the next battalion.

Despite the odds being against them on day three, the Wolfhounds kept moving forward and played to win.

Up the middle
Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Roney, softball team captain, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, hits a line drive during the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Week softball tournament at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2022. The 25th ID Tropic Lightning Week is an opportunity for the entire division to come together and compete for the Guadalcanal Cup. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jonathon Daniell) (Photo Credit: Maj. Jonathon Daniell) VIEW ORIGINAL

“If we didn’t have a target on our back before, I’m pretty sure we do now,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Roney, 2-27 IN. “I guess it just means we’re going to have to start practicing a bit sooner next year.”