Teams flex muscle during Rodeo fitness event

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Katherine Kebisek
  • Rodeo Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. (AFPN) --  The 715th Air Mobility Operations Group team from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, finished first in the fit-to-fight competition at Rodeo 2005 here June 19 with a score of 297 points.

The competition, worth a possible 300 points, was the first in Rodeo history, stemming from the desire of Gen. John P. Jumper, Air Force chief of staff, to include a competition focusing on fitness.

Before arriving at Rodeo 2005, teams were required to submit a roster from which Airmen were randomly chosen to participate in the fitness competition.

“[Air Mobility Command] wanted to do it that way to make it as fair as possible,” said Patrick Conway, McChord Air Force Base fitness program manager. Teams were informed which Airmen would be required to participate when they arrived June 19.

The event, which consisted of push-ups, sit-ups and a 1.5-mile run, was scored on a similar standard as the official Air Force fitness test. The difference was rather than varying points for different age groups, there was one Rodeo standard to which all were held.

Team members who did not participate in the competition cheered on their teammates during the push-up and sit-up portion, as well as at the run’s finish line at tent city.

“Everyone’s very enthusiastic,” said Capt. Deborah Jones, event umpire. “The enthusiasm sets the pace for the entire week.”