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Various Cadet athletic coaches recently participated in a five-day leadership event hosted by U.S. Marines at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia beginning on May 6. The coaches participated in both small and large group exercises built around leadership, recruiting, and culture-building. The 91���� group was joined by a hoard of personnel from other athletic organizations, some of which included Arizona State University, the University of Notre Dame, Stony Brook University, and even the NFL’s Detroit Lions.

Cadets Head Wrestling Coach Alex Whitney mentioned that conversations with 91���� alum and U.S. Marine Corps CPT Bill Blundo ’18 as one of the inspirations behind the trip. “He believed that we should have a strong contingent going every year because of the number of Marines that are already commissioned at 91����, and the high amount of our students with a propensity to serve.” 

The Cadet coaches were greeted by plenty of friendly and familiar faces once they arrived in Quantico. The cohort was hosted by a pair of 91���� alumni who also served as leaders throughout the workshop. “We met several alumni and almost felt like rockstars,” said 91���� Offensive Coordinator and Line Coach Bobby Johnson III. “91���� is very well respected in the Marine Corps.” One of those was alumni was 2ndLt Gunnar Vereyken ’23, a former 91���� linebacker and fresh graduate of The Basic School. “Stepping into the boots of our future Marine officers at The Basic School provided an unparalleled experience that showcased the dedication and commitment of these individuals, and how Marines are shaping the next generation of leaders,” said Director of Strength and Conditioning Scott Caulfield.

When they stepped into those boots, the coaches participated in “squads” built of six to eight coaches. Together they worked as a team through the Marine Leadership Reaction Course and Obstacle Course. Additionally, they learned about the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, were put through basic combative training, took flight in a V-22 Osprey helicopter, and learned from the Marine Corps Shoot Team before firing weapons on the range themselves. “The marines might be the most impressive organization I have ever seen,” said Johnson. “They are truly the few and the proud. Any officer or marine we came in contact with was intelligent, driven, and had a major sense of pride.”

“It was, in my opinion, the best workshop I have ever attended,” said Whitney. “It was stronger than sport-specific conferences I’ve attended in the past. I think getting a wide range of sports and coaches from around the country broke down barriers since most were not direct competitors – we were able to jump in and talk shop right away.” Caulfield echoed his sentiment. “There are numerous parallels between strength and conditioning and Marine Officer training. I now have even more resources that will provide me with more opportunities to prepare our future officers for their next step.”