thedrifter
09-12-08, 09:06 AM
Sports programs offer personnel competition, fun
Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (September 12, 2008) -- "When I was younger, if my dad couldn't make it to one of my games, he would judge how good the game was by how dirty my jersey was," said Lance Cpl. Danielle Crites, a graphics specialist with B Company, Headquarters and Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base.
Crites, a devoted softball player, started playing T-ball when she was 4 years old. She continued to play through middle and high school, college and eventually the Marine Corps.
"What has kept me playing ball for so long? It is an absolute love for the game," she said. "I could tell someone everyday how much I love softball, but until they share that same kind of love for something, they can never really know."
As a Marine stationed on Okinawa, Crites said she feels fortunate to continue to pursue her love of the game. Crites is far from alone in her quest. Thanks to a robust Marine Corps Community Services sports program, hundreds of Marines and sailors here exercise their competitive spirit every week.
MCCS hosts a wide variety of competitions for service members in sports including soccer, flag football, basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, racquetball, wrestling and weightlifting. MCCS hosts an average of three competitions every week.
Playing organized sports can be very beneficial to Marines and sailors on Okinawa, said Eric J. Isley, a sports coordinator with MCCS.
While individuals could compete in their sport through pickup games and other ad hoc competitions, playing on an organized team provides players with added benefits, according to Isley.
"You could just play with your friends, but playing on a team offers you a chance to practice more and get better at the sport," Isley said. "Plus, playing on a team gives you the opportunity to compete against other teams that may have the same skill level or even higher."
"Playing sports also offers the opportunity to meet a lot of different people," Isley said. "You get to meet people who share the same interest and then practice, play and learn with them."
Playing organized sports can not only offer an opportunity to meet new people, it can potentially give participants a chance to travel.
In May, Crites and her team the 'Yardbusters' traveled to Korea for a Pacific-wide softball tournament.
"The trip was great," Crites said. "We got to go to Korea for eight days, but the best part is that I got to hang out with my girls the whole time and play ball. It was an awesome experience."
Whether it is getting better at sports, meeting new people, seeing new places or just playing a beloved sport, participating in sports on Okinawa offers a wide variety of benefits.
"There's no certain aspect of the game that you can pick to love," Crites said. "Whether it's sliding into a base, diving for a ball, slamming a hit out of the park or just getting dirty, it's a culmination of different feelings that gives you a love for the game."
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (September 12, 2008) -- "When I was younger, if my dad couldn't make it to one of my games, he would judge how good the game was by how dirty my jersey was," said Lance Cpl. Danielle Crites, a graphics specialist with B Company, Headquarters and Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base.
Crites, a devoted softball player, started playing T-ball when she was 4 years old. She continued to play through middle and high school, college and eventually the Marine Corps.
"What has kept me playing ball for so long? It is an absolute love for the game," she said. "I could tell someone everyday how much I love softball, but until they share that same kind of love for something, they can never really know."
As a Marine stationed on Okinawa, Crites said she feels fortunate to continue to pursue her love of the game. Crites is far from alone in her quest. Thanks to a robust Marine Corps Community Services sports program, hundreds of Marines and sailors here exercise their competitive spirit every week.
MCCS hosts a wide variety of competitions for service members in sports including soccer, flag football, basketball, softball, tennis, volleyball, racquetball, wrestling and weightlifting. MCCS hosts an average of three competitions every week.
Playing organized sports can be very beneficial to Marines and sailors on Okinawa, said Eric J. Isley, a sports coordinator with MCCS.
While individuals could compete in their sport through pickup games and other ad hoc competitions, playing on an organized team provides players with added benefits, according to Isley.
"You could just play with your friends, but playing on a team offers you a chance to practice more and get better at the sport," Isley said. "Plus, playing on a team gives you the opportunity to compete against other teams that may have the same skill level or even higher."
"Playing sports also offers the opportunity to meet a lot of different people," Isley said. "You get to meet people who share the same interest and then practice, play and learn with them."
Playing organized sports can not only offer an opportunity to meet new people, it can potentially give participants a chance to travel.
In May, Crites and her team the 'Yardbusters' traveled to Korea for a Pacific-wide softball tournament.
"The trip was great," Crites said. "We got to go to Korea for eight days, but the best part is that I got to hang out with my girls the whole time and play ball. It was an awesome experience."
Whether it is getting better at sports, meeting new people, seeing new places or just playing a beloved sport, participating in sports on Okinawa offers a wide variety of benefits.
"There's no certain aspect of the game that you can pick to love," Crites said. "Whether it's sliding into a base, diving for a ball, slamming a hit out of the park or just getting dirty, it's a culmination of different feelings that gives you a love for the game."
Ellie