Maj. Jonathan Kehr, Marine Aircraft Group 12 logistics officer, hits a tennis ball to Sgt. Michael Ledyard, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 career planner, during the Commander’s Cup Tennis Tournament that took place near the Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 6, 2013. The tennis tourney is the second-to-last Commander's Cup event scheduled this year.

Photo by Lance Cpl. James R. Smith

MAG-12 Marine wins Commander's Cup Tennis Tournament challenge

6 Sep 2013 | Lance Cpl. James R. Smith Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan --

Marines gathered by the tennis courts near the Robert M. Casey Medical and Dental Clinic aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, to compete in the Commander’s Cup Tennis Tournament Sept. 6, 2013.

This event was the second-to last chance in the Commander’s Cup for units to earn points and money for their party fund.

Some participants also found the tourney as a chance to reopen cryptic sports skills.

“The last time I played tennis was during my high school years,” said Sgt. Michael Ledyard, Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 career planner. “It’s good to be able to get back into the competitive nature of tennis.”

As the tournament progressed, it came down to two men, Ledyard and Maj. Jonathan Kehr, Marine Aircraft Group 12 logistics officer.

The match was a back and forth struggle between the two with both having previous experience with tennis, however, Ledyard was able to win the first set of the championship match.

During the second set, Ledyard started strong, but Kehr found a second wind and come from behind to win the set.

For the last set, the two competitors would continuously get the upper hand on one another until Kehr was able to send the final serve that Ledyard couldn’t return, winning the tournament.

“The sergeant had me up against the ropes a couple times, but I was inspired to win by my younger daughter who just started the tennis team this year,” said Kehr.

Although the tournament's turnout wasn’t as large as some expected, it was still a way to spread the word for upcoming events.

“The next event is going to be much larger because it’s the Gladiators Commander’s Cup,” said Jason Knight, Marine Corps Community Services Intramural Sports coordinator. “This tournament was kind of a downhill slope before the final event of the Commander’s Cup.”

With the Commander’s Cup coming to an end, the final chance to earn points will be at the Gladiators Commander’s Cup Oct. 12, 2013, with sign-up beginning Sept. 12. For more information, contact Intramural Sports at 253-3067.