FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division (LI) will host the Syracuse University "Orange" football team, Aug. 12-19, at the post's Sligh Field, after being contacted by the university, which sought to accomplish its preseason training with a military feel. The Syracuse "Orange" will conduct football practices and engage in military-specific training during their weeklong stay that will end with a scrimmage open to Soldiers and their Families.
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, have coordinated and planned the camp with the intention of mutually developing team-building skills of both the Syracuse "Orange" and the 2-87 "Catamounts." The team will use facilities provided by 10th Sustainment Brigade, including barracks, dining facilities and even motor pool garages for use as a locker room and athletic training facility.
The players will participate in Army training events, such as physical fitness drills and small unit leader seminars as part of their experience on an active-duty military installation.
"We appreciate the opportunity to incorporate the unique (Army) leadership and team-building exercises into our program," said Syracuse head coach, Doug Marrone, in a previous interview. "Our philosophy is to develop the person and then the athlete. This environment will greatly aid in the growth of our young men and further our valuable relationship with Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division."
He also stressed the need to give his team a different perspective on training.
"We have to become a tougher football team and a better football team," Marrone said. "I wanted to change the environment."
The event serves as an example of the close, ongoing relationship with local communities that Fort Drum strives to maintain.
"The Syracuse Orange football team coming to Fort Drum is another great example of the strong relationship between the New York communities and the 10th Mountain Division," said Maj. Gen. Mark A. Milley, Fort Drum and 10th Mountain Division (LI) commander. "This preseason camp will serve to strengthen the bond between us and the members of this great area."
Marrone summed up the gratitude that Syracuse University has for the unique relationship it shares with 10th Mountain Division Soldiers during an interview with a television news station last week.
"We have a great appreciation for what the military does," he said. "There's a mentality about them and a work ethic about them (I admire)."
The university also demonstrated its appreciation last year when the college's Athletics Department sent a basketball and a football to 3rd BCT troops deployed to Afghanistan. The Soldiers then traveled with them and had them autographed by the men and women serving there. The balls were then returned to the Syracuse University football and basketball teams for display.
A scrimmage between members of the Syracuse Orange football team is scheduled to occur at 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at Sligh Field. The scrimmage will be open to Soldiers and their Families.
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