Commandos Basketball

U.S. Air Force Robert Harp, shooting guard for the Hurlburt Field Commandos basketball team, dribbles against a player of the opposing team at the Aderholt Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 19, 2011. The Commandos are part of the Southeastern Military Athletic Conference, consisting of six Air Force teams and one Navy team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)(Released)

Commandos Basketball

A basketball lies on the court during a basketball game at the Aderholt Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 19, 2011. The Hurlburt Field Commandos defeated the Eglin Eagles with a 20 point lead, resulting in a 101 to 81 victory. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)(Released)

Commandos Basketball

Members of the Eglin Eagles basketball team anticipate a rebound from a free throw during a basketball game at the Aderholt Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field, Fla., Nov. 19, 2011. The Hurlburt Field Commandos have won three of the last five Southeastern Military Athletic Conference championships. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)(Released)

Commandos Basketball

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Taveres Simpson, small forward for the Hurlburt Field Commandos basketball team, leaps into the air to score a point during a game at the Aderholt Fitness Center on Hurlburt Field Fla., Nov 19, 2011. Simpson has been playing with the Hurlburt Field Commandos for three years. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Gustavo Castillo)(Released)

Commandos basketball, more than just a game

Published Nov. 23, 2011
By Raquel Sanchez
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Hurlburt Field Commandos men's basketball team dominated the court Nov. 19 with another win against the Eglin Eagles at the Hurlburt Field Aderholt fitness center 101-81.

The Commandos are part of the Southeastern Military Athletic Conference, consisting of six Air Force teams and one Navy team. The teams compete throughout the season in hopes of winning the SEMAC title.

Playing in an inter-base league like the SEMAC allows base teams to not only compete with other Air Force teams but also with teams from the other branches of service.

Once the regular season has concluded, the best teams are invited to play in a March Madness tournament to determine the best team in the Continental United States, said Staff Sgt. Mario Webb, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron for the Air Force Special Operations Command.

"It is very competitive," Webb said. "We have some very good players at this base that have played and are currently playing for the Air Force team."

It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and practice to be able to compete at the inter-base level and the Commandos past championship titles are a testament of it.

"We have three championships out of the last five years," Webb said. "If you come watch us play, you will see why."

Come out and support the Commandos as they travel to Moody Air Force Base to take on the Flying Tigers Dec. 3.

Below are the SEMAC men's basketball regular season standings and Commandos game schedule.

SEMAC standings (as of Nov. 21, 2011):
Maxwell Warriors                                 4-0
Naval Station Mayport Hurricanes    4-2
Eglin Eagles                                         3-2
Moody Flying Tigers                            2-2
Hurlburt Field Commandos              2-2
Robins Hawks                                     0-3
Keesler Dragons                                0-4

2011-2012 Hurlburt Field Commandos schedule:
Dec. 3      Hurlburt Field at Moody AFB, Ga.
Dec. 10    Hurlburt Field at Keesler AFB, Miss.
Jan. 7       Maxwell AFB, Ala. at Hurlburt Field
Jan. 14     NS Mayport, Fla. at Hurlburt Field
Jan. 21     Hurlburt Field at Robins AFB, Ga.

The Commandos are continuously looking to recruit new players. Anyone interested in trying out for the team should contact the team's head coach, Staff Sgt. William Jackson, william.jackson3@hurlburt.af.mil or the assistant coach Kevin William, kevin.william@hurlburt.af.mil.

(Note: The following information about the Commandos schedule is subject to change. Please contact the Hurlburt Field Aderholt fitness center for game times and the latest information 884-6884)