Mobile Patriots shoot past Hurlburt Commandos, 66-16 Published Oct. 9, 2007 By Senior Airman Ali Flisek Public Affairs Hurlburt Field, Fla. -- The Mobile Patriots defeated the Hurlburt Commandos 66-16 in the second annual Wheelchair Basketball Exhibition Game, Thursday night at the Fort Walton Family YMCA. The game was Hurlburt Field's start to the National Disability Employment Awareness month. Twelve Airmen from Hurlburt Field strapped into wheelchairs to face the Mobile Patriots, a Gulf Coast division three National Wheelchair Basketball Association team. The Mobile Patriots showed their talent early in the game by scoring within the first seconds of play. Soon after Col. Michael Smietana, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander, made the Commandos' first basket. With seven minutes remaining in the half and trailing 10-2, the Hurlburt Commandos called for a timeout to switch players. "My hands felt like they were on fire after about two seconds," Senior Master Sergeant David Ceurvels, 1st Special Operations Wing, Career Assistance Advisor, said about the physical strength required to spin the wheelchair. Wheelchair basketball requires different rules than standard basketball. The ball can remain on the lap, but every two spins of the wheelchair the ball must be dribbled at least once. At halftime, with the score 28-6, the Commandos discussed the difficulties they were experiencing. "If you've never been in a wheelchair, you still think you can use your legs," said Capt. Jason Glenn, 1 SOMSG. These guys are remarkable. "It takes so much coordination to do what they do." On the other side of the court, the Mobile Patriots talk strategy. Sammy Duffy of Mobile, joked about how the Commandos weren't much competition. The sound of metal clashing together filled the auditorium as the second half began. As the ball is thrown down the court Colonel Smietana and Phillip Eddins, of the Patriots, race for the ball, Eddins leaving Colonel Smietana far behind. "Their defense is amazing," says Col. Socrates Green, 1st Special Operations Maintenance Group commander, "They won't let you go anywhere." With just eight minutes left in the game, the Patriots send only three players to the court. The final score ends with the Mobile Patriots defeating the Hurlburt Commandos, 66-16. The game was made possible with the help of Hurlburt Field's Airman and Family Readiness Center and the Business Leadership Network in partnership with the Fort Walton Beach Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. The BLN collected funds from various local businesses to help the Patriots with the traveling expenses.