52nd LRS intramural basketball team repeats as champions

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Rusty Frank
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Sweat drops on the basketball court under the hot fluorescent lights of the room. The beads fall to the ground almost in rhythm with the basketball as a member of the 52nd Maintenance Group intramural basketball team dribbles the ball down the court. 

As the time on the clock ticks down to 0.0, the buzzer rings...

...suddenly, the once deafening sounds of the room fall silent...

...the crowd and players alike watch as the ball travels the through air...

...a last ditch effort to tie the game and force overtime....

...

...

...the ball bounces off the rim, extinguishing the team's hope for the ultimate glory they had been searching all season.

The sounds of fans jumping up down and roaring with excitement and the feeling of relief flew from the players of the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron intramural basketball team as they claimed the championship of the intramural basketball league.

The 52nd LRS won the championship game at the George Price Gymnasium Jan. 28, 2016, with a final score 54-52 capping an undefeated season.

"We performed like we needed to," said Joshua Davis, 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron intramural basketball team coach. "We didn't get complacent. We had teamwork and intensity was our favorite word of the season."

The season represented one component of intramural sports which also provides a launching point for those who wish to aspire to higher goals and pursue opportunities at the Spangdahlem Varsity level and higher said Michael Glancy, 52nd Force Support Squadron assistant to the sports director at the Eifel Powerhaus Fitness Center.  

"I think the championship games on Thursday night epitomized what intramural sports are all about," said Glancy. "Intramural Sports are the cornerstone to the Air Force Fitness Program and are designed to enhance individual physical fitness, develop confidence and self-esteem, build unit cohesion, and foster esprit de corps.

The competitive spirit between the units can go beyond the wing, said Glancy.

"Being crowned a champion, especially amongst your military comrades is something you will never forget in your career," Glancy said. "We're trying to give our Sabers that opportunity every time they participate in intramural sports."

For more information about participating in intramural sports, contact your unit sports representative or the Eifel Powerhaus Fitness Center.