Goodrich-The varsity football team participated in some rather rigorous workouts during practice.
Their endurance and strength were raised to a new level last Friday.
United States Marine Corps Sgt. Allen Sullivan was on campus Aug. 17 to run the Martians through the Combat Fitness Test (CFT).
‘The CFT gives you a good idea of how you’d relate to a combat situation,? said Sullivan, 26, a Marine recruiter from Flint. ‘The test determines abilities to react under fire.?
Sullivan, a Arlington, Neb. native who has been a Marine since 2005, said CFT is designed to keep Marines ready for the physical rigors of combat operations. The individual readiness is measured by requiring Marines sprint a timed 880 yards and lift a 33-pound ammunition can overhead from shoulder height repeatedly for two minutes.
‘About 2:45 for the 880 yards is where they should be running,? said Sullivan. ‘Regarding the ‘Ammo Can,? the burn in the arms start at about 50 reps (repetitions)’about 100 is pretty good.?
The maneuver-under-fire event is a timed 300-yard shuttle run in which Marines are paired up by size and perform a series of combat-related tasks.
‘The maneuver-under-fire requires them to drag or carry a buddy, with the firemans carry through a war zone. We use simulated grenades to make like a battle situation.
Sullivan, who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan said the football team did pretty well.
‘All passed. For some it was tougher than others’but we are not trying to down grade anyone, rather give the men a rough idea of what’s it like to be a Marine. If they are interested it give them a taste.t
‘It’s not for everyone,? he added. ‘We travel to area schools to provide information regarding the Marine Corp. to civilians’not everyone is qualified. We talk about what we do as Marines from saving lifes to the physical fitness. It’s our way to give back to the community. We provide young people a sense of direction and a chance to serve their country. Our standards are very high but there are great opportunities.?