Lexington, Va. -- More than 60 varsity lacrosse players from Washington and Lee University, in Lexington, Va., got a taste of the Marine Corps’ combat fitness test, Sept. 30.
Both the men’s and women’s teams took part in the event, which included an 880 yard sprint, ammo can lifts, and the maneuver under fire course.
Prior to the university students taking part in the CFT, the events were demonstrated by Marines from Officer Selection Station Roanoke, who then helped them perfect their technique for picking up their partners in the fireman’s carry, buddy drag, and low crawl.
The test proved to be a unique challenge for the lacrosse players, who weren’t used to some of the events in the course, but they met the challenge with excitement and determination.
“It brought us all together as a team,” said defensive player Becca Dean, a 19-year-old native of Ellicott, Md. “It showed me that I can do things I didn’t think I could do, like beat the boys.”
The training session not only gave the lacrosse players a change of pace in their training season workouts and a new challenge, but also provided and opportunity for the officer selection team to introduce them to the Marine Corps, said Capt. Nicholas Harwood, the Officer Selection Officer for OSS Roanoke, and native of Harwich Mass.
After giving their best on the field, the teammates felt closer and stronger.
“I would definitely do this again,” said Caroline Hutchinson, a defensive player from Annapolis, Md. “As hard as it was, I know it was good for our team.”