In was a long Wednesday for the SU Football Team, up at the crack of dawn to train with a combat team from the 10th Mountain Division's 2nd Battalion. The Orange players were working on leadership and teamwork skills in a way they never had before, bonding together to conquer a six-station physical training course. Many of the players also had an opportunity to take part in a simulated combat zone, operating weapons systems and riding in high tech Army vehicles.
"It's kind of crazy, it's a crazy experience," said SU's tight end David Stevens, "I've never had this much experience with guns or military. I have people in my family who are in the military, but I've never really had this much experience of government, military, military, and military weapons."
The day, which also included a scrimmage between the players and soldiers, was designed to be beneficial to both the Orange players and those stationed at Fort Drum. "Honestly, at first I wasn't sure if we would get much out of it," admits First Lieutenant Jacob Wishko,"but after being here and doing this, I realized that soldiers are gaining a better appreciation for it as well."
