Miami HEAT first practice

Erik Spoelstra, Miami HEAT head coach, signs a basketball for a fan before heading into the gym for the team’s first practice during the Miami HEAT 2010 Training Camp at the Aderholt Fitness Center, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 28, 2010. This is the first time in 23 years the HEAT has taken their training camp on the road. Hurlburt Field will play host to the team’s contingent of 44 from Sep. 28, through Oct. 3, 2010. Players and staff have allotted time throughout the week to visit with Air Commandos at different work centers across base. (DoD Photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Jacobs/RELEASED)

Miami HEAT first practice

LeBron James, a Miami HEAT player, autographs a basketball for a fan before heading into the team’s first practice during the Miami HEAT 2010 Training Camp at the Aderholt Fitness Center, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 28, 2010. This is the first time in 23 years the HEAT has taken their training camp on the road. Hurlburt Field will play host to the team’s contingent of 44 from Sep. 28, through Oct. 3, 2010. Players and staff have allotted time throughout the week to visit with Air Commandos at different work centers across base. (DoD Photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Jacobs/RELEASED)

Miami HEAT first practice

Undonis Haslem, a Miami HEAT player, signs a basketball for a fan before heading into the team’s first practice during the Miami HEAT 2010 Training Camp at the Aderholt Fitness Center, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 28, 2010. This is the first time in 23 years the HEAT has taken their training camp on the road. Hurlburt Field will play host to the team’s contingent of 44 from Sep. 28, through Oct. 3, 2010. Players and staff have allotted time throughout the week to visit with Air Commandos at different work centers across base. (DoD Photo by Staff Sgt. Stephanie Jacobs/RELEASED)

Miami HEAT's first practice draws a crowd

Published Sept. 28, 2010
By Staff Sgt. Sarah Martinez
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Hurlburt Field Airmen waited patiently outside the Aderholt Fitness Center to meet with the National Basketball Association team Miami HEAT, Sept. 28. The Miami HEAT team kicked off their week-long training camp but not before they greeted Airmen and other basketball fans.

One by one the players came off the bus to a crowd of people with cameras flashing and memorabilia waiting to be autographed. The HEAT players signed basketballs, posters, T-shirts and even a tiny seal toy for a father's son.

"I'm excited to actually meet a celebrity," said Senior Airman Mario Super, 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron dining facility storeroom clerk. "I played basketball in high school, so I've been a (basketball) fan for a while now."

This is the first time in 23 years the Miami HEAT has traveled for their training camp. Out of all the air force bases in the country, they chose Hurlburt Field.

"When you start hearing the rumors (of the HEAT visiting) you're like, yeah right, then you go back to work," said Staff Sgt. Shaerica Waters, 1st SOFSS dining facility manager. "But then when it becomes real, you got to be there to see it because it can't be true."

Sergeant Waters got four basketballs and a magazine signed by several of the Miami HEAT players. After the arrival of the HEAT, Sergeant Waters planned to return to work and let her Airmen have a chance to participate in the excitement.

After the last Miami HEAT player stepped into the gym, the doors closed. Unfortunately, the practice sessions are not open to the public; however, that didn't stop people from smiling. Airmen and other fans walked away happy just to see and shake the hands of the players and staff.

"I really appreciate them coming up," Airmen Super said. "It's my first time meeting a celebrity."