FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers compete June 30, 2021, during a basketball competition in celebration of Ivy Week at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
Story and photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne
14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers shoot the ball over opposing 4th Inf. Div. players at Iron Horse Park June 28, 2021, on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers throughout 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson represented their units by competing in the basketball tournament during Ivy Week 2021 at Fort Carson, Colorado, June 28-30, 2021.
Ivy Week is an annual event that fosters and builds morale between Soldiers, as unit teams compete to win and earn the Commander’s Cup.
This year, 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., earned bragging rights as they led an impressive victory against 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., during the basketball championship game June 30.
“This basketball tournament is a fierce competition which is also a team building opportunity for Soldiers to play together and fight for their unit on the basketball court,” said 2nd Lt. Greg Peterson, the Ivy Week officer in charge with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Engineer Battalion. “Instead of being at the office or the motor pool, I think it’s a good healthy experience for the Soldiers as well.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers compete June 30, 2021, during a basketball competition in celebration of Ivy Week at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
Adrenaline and motivation were high for the teams competing in the entire basketball tournament event this week, as each team aimed for victory, Peterson said.
“Competition was really good, and we had some really good sportsmanship from all the teams across the post,” Peterson added.
Meanwhile, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, placed third after winning against 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.
Defense and toughness are what led the 404th ASB, 4th CAB, team to victory, said Pfc. Akeem Echols, a player on 404th ASB’s team. The whole team played defense well especially in the second half of the game. The team maintained great synergy throughout the game, he added.
The 404th ASB, 4th CAB, also won the basketball championship game during Ivy Week 2019.
“Teamwork makes the dreamwork,” said Echols. “If you play as a team, you will win as a team.”
FORT CARSON, Colo. — A 4th Infantry Division Soldier tries to maneuver around an opposing player June 29, 2021, in a basketball competition during Ivy Week at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — A 4th Infantry Division Soldier goes for a shot June 28, 2021, during the Ivy Week basketball tournament at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers compete June 30, 2021, during a basketball competition in celebration of Ivy Week at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Woodlyne Escarne)