After years of advancing in the rankings, this year the Defense Logistics Agency beat the competition to win the Fort Belvoir Commander’s Cup for the first time.
Thirty-five DLA Energy athletes played a significant role in helping earn the win.
DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Darrell Williams congratulated the team for the monumental win in an Oct. 4 ceremony at the McNamara Headquarters Complex. The director thanked the participants and noted that activities featuring teamwork and competition are unique in their ability to help keep morale high.
Designed to promote physical fitness, morale and team spirit, the Fort Belvoir Commander’s Cup program has base units and agencies competing in sanctioned events to accumulate points. Competition started in September 2017 and included flag football, basketball, racquetball, volleyball, combatives, soccer, tennis, formation run, softball, bowling, swimming, golf and cross country running. At the end of the season, the team with the highest number of points is awarded the legendary Commander’s Cup Trophy and ultimate bragging rights.
The majority of the DLA soccer team was made up of DLA Energy stars like Mark Albright, co-captain of the team, along with Chris Boeding, Gordon Braxton, Dan Ferry, James Forde, Paul Johnson, Chris Kidwell, Guno Kletter, Ross Paxton, Darren Taylor and Ayodele Warburton.
“We’ve been trying to win this Cup for many years now,” Boeding said. “Competing for the Commander’s Cup with those you work with is special because you build long-lasting relationships, enjoy team camaraderie and get to meet people outside the work environment.”
Kletter said the bonds he formed continued off the field.
“The relationships I’ve made while playing on the soccer team have made professional connections much easier and seamless,” he said. “Many times when I attend a meeting, I will see a familiar face from the playing field and instantly we have a foundation without saying a word. These connections span across the base and out in to the community.”
Besides soccer, Ferry also played on the DLA golf team helping it win first place in race for the Commander’s Cup. Marshall Kennedy and Justin Wingo were also on the golf team.
The DLA volleyball team included Eduardo Davila Acaron, Samantha Kimble, Donette Lowe and Richard Vanschoor while the DLA flag football team included Joshua Catlin, Michael Matthews and Kevin Robinson. Several DLA Energy members ran in the various running events including Albright, Connie Braesch, Alexandro Cano, Matthew Holman and John Landy.
Several DLA Energy employees played on the DLA tennis team including Albright, Boeding, Braesch and Kimble. They helped DLA earn first place in the tennis tournament – earning 13 more points than any other team.
When asked why she participates in the competition, Michelle Sands, DLA Energy Bulk Petroleum contract specialist, said it’s about taking pride in her job.
“I’m passionate about the race for the Commander’s Cup because I am passionate about working for DLA,” she said. “Any chance to bolster up DLA as the best, I’ll be there as a willing participant.”
Sands, along with Emily Weaver and Ryan Spahr, helped earn DLA second place in the swim meet.
Darrell Brooks coached the DLA softball team that included DLA Energy’s Dawn Capers, Bruce Desoto, Darren Dunham, Natasha Robinson, Maria Spicer and Darren Taylor.
When asked what the Cup means to him, Brooks said it’s more than just winning.
“It is truly an enjoyable moment in my life that I will never forget,” he said. “It solidifies that we have some dedicated employees who sacrifice their personal time to compete and represent the agency.”
As the team players gear up to begin the 2019 Commander’s Cup season, they all plan to keep the Cup with DLA.
“I think this win will create more awareness of the program and bring new athletes out to the teams next year, which can only help us in our quest to repeat as champions,” Albright said.
To read more about the DLA team and the Commander’s Cup program, follow this link to the full story.