MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Melissa Heisterberg and Sgt. Michael Eckert depart this weekend to compete in the Second Annual High Intensity Tactical Training Ultimate Athlete Championship from Aug. 15-18, 2016, at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California.
Approximately three dozen U.S. Marines will battle each other for the ultimate title in this demanding event that will test competitors’ endurance, speed, agility and stamina.
“The HITT Athlete Championship will bring together some of the most elite tactical athletes in the Marine Corps” said Ryan Massimo, HITT Program Manager. “The championship events are designed to showcase a combination of tactical skills with athleticism during a grueling three-day schedule consisting of five events that will challenge competitors on their mental and physical capabilities."
This year’s HITT Ultimate Athlete Championship is expected to include roughly 30 endeavors imbedded in the main course events: The 500 yard power shuttle, 500 yard battle skills challenge, the amphibious tactical challenge, the maneuver under fire tactical course, and the culminating tactical fitness challenge.
“I expect the competition to be very challenging,” said Heisterberg, deputy director of public affairs assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. “HITT does a good job at targeting an overall and 'whole' athlete concept, so I believe everyone will excel at some things but be challenged by others . . . Each Marine comes from such a diverse and unique background so it is fun to see how one thing can bring us all together.”
That’s exactly what this competition aims to do; bring together the toughest men and women of the Marine Corps to duel for the top crowning as the 2016 "Ultimate Athlete.”
“Win or lose you always learn something about yourself in competitions,” said Eckert, quality control chief with motor transport company assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 171. “Regardless of the outcome, I will learn something about myself that I didn't know before and that in my opinion is the biggest gain from this competition.”
For updates of this year’s HITT Ultimate Athlete Championship, visit http://usmc-mccs.org/. or
https://www.facebook.com/HighIntensityTacticalTraininghitt/?fref=ts.