MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Service members and civilians kicked up the dirt, caught sky-high pop-up fly balls, and when all was said and done, gave each other high fives at the Armed Forces Softball Tournament at Riseley and Annex Fields, Aug. 29, 2015.
Military identification cardholders were eligible to compete in the slow-pitch, pool play tournament, hosted by the varsity sports department of Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii Semper Fit.
The main goal of the tournaments is to raise funds for the base varsity softball team. The team can then enter tournaments in the local community. There are as many as three tournaments hosted per year.
“The tournament allows service members to compete with all branches of the military,” said Krista Shipes, the athletic director for Semper Fit. “It boosts morale and encourages sportsmanship.”
Also coordinating the tournament is Romeo Ibrao, the men’s varsity softball coach. Ibrao, of Haleiwa, Hawaii, was previously an active-duty Sailor stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.
Ibrao is no stranger to softball, having played for more than 30 years in the Navy. He has been coaching on base since 2006, and helped with the tournament since 2007.
Ibrao said he wants to develop the players’ skills and have the base team compete in higher-level competitions in the community. However, due to the nature of the military, personnel are always rotating in and out of the base and the softball team will always need to be rebuilt.
Like Shipes, Ibrao said the tournament helps promote camaraderie between the branches. He praised Shipes for her efforts with coordinating the tournament.
“She had her personnel (prepare) the field on Friday,” Ibrao said. “I didn’t have to rush here (Saturday morning). I give a lot of credit to Krista.”
The tournament ran from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An Army team, consisting of players from Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa, Hawaii, took first place in the tournament. The Rad team, consisting of a mix of players, took second.
“Even though we had fewer teams than expected, all the players enjoyed the tournament,” Shipes said. “We received positive feedback from the players and spectators.”
Hosting recreational tournaments helps further the mission of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, which is to provide facilities, programs and services in direct support of units, individuals and families in order to enhance and sustain combat readiness for all operating forces and tenant organizations aboard MCB Hawaii.
For more information about intramural sports or varsity sports under MCCS Hawaii, visit www.mccshawaii.com, or call 254-7591, or 254-7590.