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Intramural season opener a homerun

By Senior Airman Christopher Callaway, 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs / Published April 10, 2015

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HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- With a loud “clank” from a bat meeting a softball, and a quick three and out, the Hurlburt Field Intramural Softball league began with the 25th Intelligence Squadron facing the 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, April 6, 2015.

This year’s season will boast 16 teams and will be played through May 21. At the end of the season a playoff bracket will be generated for a double elimination tournament.

“I have been part of the 25th IS softball team for two and a half years,” said. Master Sgt. Nicole Gill, 25th IS. “I play because I love the game.”

Each team is slated to play 14 games during the regular season and will compete for a trophy during the playoffs.

“Last year, we took third,” Gill said. “This year we will aim higher and at least play in the championship game – if we win it all, great!”

For one Airman, playing softball is a great way for him to network with people that share common interests he may not see in a work environment.

“Seeing all echelons of rank playing together gives us the chance to know our peers on a different level,” said Kyler Elder, 25th IS. “Playing together helps you realize there are people with similar interests that you don’t normally get to work with. It’s natural for me to be more receptive to someone I have competed with to win a challenge.”

With the mission constantly focused on day-to-day operations and a string of steady deployments, Gill believes that any time to get out of the operational mindset is a positive thing for daily stress.

“We enjoy having the opportunity to come out and being able to play,” Gill said. “We have a great group of players and our fans are awesome.”