Pendleton athletes battle it out with paddles

Waves crashed as more than 100 Camp Pendleton athletes sliced through the water to the finish line, during the 2011 Outrigger Competition held at the base’s Del Mar Marina, May 4.

The Outrigger Competition is one of many events held during the 2011 Pendleton Cup Series. The event, which also includes such sports as football, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball and golf, gives all active-duty military personnel a chance to compete for a monetary prize, which goes toward their respective unit’s funds. The top prize for this year’s series will be $2,000.

During the race, competitors in five-man teams battled it out for a distance of approximately 500 meters along the coast of the Del Mar Marina. More than 20 teams signed up for this event making it the biggest turnout ever seen at an outrigger competition held on base, according to Eddie Bolanos, sports coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services, Camp Pendleton.

“Not only are the Marines and sailors of Camp Pendleton competing for money, they are also getting in some good

all while having a great time building camaraderie,” Bolanos said. “All active-duty service members should come out and participate. Every year we have a blast and this one is no exception.”

This year’s competition ended with Headquarters and Support Battalion taking home the gold with an event-best time of 58 seconds flat. Ninth Communications Battalion placed second and Third Assault Amphibian Vehicle Battalion placed third.

Those on the winning H&S Bn. team included Gunnery Sgt. Eric Dougherty, Gunnery Sgt. Jason Moore, Staff Sgt. Larry Trampel and Cpl. Chris Gallagher.

“We came out and did the best we could,” said Cpl. Gallagher. “Our intentions were to win, but to have fun and build up camaraderie within our unit. The real prize is being out here with the Marines I look up to.”

For more information about participating in the Pendleton Cup Series, contact Camp Pendleton’s athletic department at (760) 763-5519. All participants must be active-duty military.

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