Bringing home the gold

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaeda Tookes
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
Trying out for the Men's Air Force Soccer Team was a big accomplishment for one lieutenant stationed here.

2nd Lt. Scott McGillivray, 341st Comptroller Squadron financial services officer, was highly encouraged to try out for the team by a fellow soccer played stationed here at Malmstrom.

Maj. Jeremiah Kirschman, 341st Comptroller Squadron financial services officer, has had a long-time love of playing soccer. He was also an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy when McGillivray attended school there.

"He is a solid athlete who is dedicated to working very hard both on and off the field," Kirschman said. "I strongly encouraged him to try out for the Men's Air Force Soccer Team."

McGillivray spent his first week of tryouts at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in early May. He said he showed up to the camp a week late and had to prove himself in a shorter amount of time.

According to McGillivray, it was harder when they first started because they were participating in training three times a day.

"Practice started around 6 a.m., followed by breakfast at the dining facility," McGillivray said. "Our second practice was around 10:30 a.m., which was the tough one because of the sun. The evening practice would either be more practice or a game."

According to McGillivray, cuts were made by postings on the hotel door at the end of the week.

"It was a little nerve wracking not knowing what to expect," McGillivray said. "Mentally the days got harder as we got closer to the tournament."

After making the team, he participated in the 2016 Armed Forces Men's Soccer Championship against other branches of service at Ft. Benning, Georgia.

McGillivray and his teammates played in a tournament against the Marines, Navy and Army.

"We played a round robin, winning the first game against the Marines 5-0," McGillivray said. "We lost against the Navy 0-1, and won against the Army 3-0."

McGillivray said they played the Navy again in the championship and won 3-2. McGillivray and his teammates brought home gold.

"There will be another soccer camp next year, along with other opportunities to try out for other sports," McGillivray said.

Those interested in trying out for a military sports team can visit www.armedforcessports.defense.gov.