MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station Marines participated in a Commander’s Cup three-point shootout competition at the Ironworks Gym’s sports courts here March 23.
Participants, grouped in teams of four, had two minutes to make as many three-point shots as possible. Two team members would perform at the same time. One teammate would shoot then switch places with his partner, who was retrieving the basketball. After the two-minute time limit elapsed, two players from another team had the opportunity to shoot. The competition continued this way until every member of each team shot.
The winner of the competition was Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 with a score of 114 points. In second place was Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 12 with a score of 102.
MWSS-171’s winning team consisted of an assortment of different Marines from different shops in the squadron who came together to compete.
The Commander’s Cup takes place once a month for nine months in a series of events and challenges.
A culminating event at the end of the year, known as the Gladiators event, capstones the Commander’s Cup Challenge.
“At the Gladiators event, the overall winner will be determined and seize the Commander’s Cup trophy for a year,” said Barbara Roman, Ironworks Gym Fitness Coordinator. “They will also have the bragging rights that come with being the best.”
Participating teams receive points in each event toward a total before the final event at the end of the year.
“The higher you place and the better you do, the more points you get,” said Roman.
Last month’s event was a mystery challenge, which turned into a grueling endurance competition consisting of a series of exercises for a timed repetition. Next month’s challenge “Sumo Basho,” offers participating teams yet another chance to take a trophy home to their shop