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Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Real Battlefield
Central Kansas, KS
By: Kim D. Kimbro
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Photo(s) By: Kyle Danztler/MyActionPortraits.com
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From the field of play to the battlefield – six graduated area athletes talk about why they joined the Service
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I chose the United States Marine Corps because I’ve always wanted to help people, and as a combat engineer I will build roads, bridges and dams. I will also work to disarm IEDs (improvised explosive device) because someone has to do it, and I’d rather it be me than some kid walking to school. – Nathan Goens, Wichita Southeast
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Chris Thompson
Douglass three-sport athlete entering the Marine Corps
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
Senior year of basketball season because we won ten games. My previous three years, we only won a total of seven games. We also had some wins over opponents we had never beaten before.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
I signed up because I wanted to serve my country and represent Douglass High School in the Marines. I chose the Marines because I feel it is the best training I could get, and I wanted special life skills that I could always use.
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
Yes, we did lots of running in track and cross country. So I feel I am in good shape, and weightlifting got me stronger for the rigors of military.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
My parents, because they have always encouraged me and supported me in my activities and my decision to join the military.
Nathan Goens
Wichita Southeast football lineman and wrestler entering the Marine Corps
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
The highlight of my wrestling career would be pinning the No. 2-ranked wrestler and taking the Class 6A regional championship.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
My father was a combat engineer in the 101st Airborne during the Vietnam Conflict and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. To me, there is a lot of family pride and self-respect in serving one’s country.
I chose the United States Marine Corps because I’ve always wanted to help people, and as a combat engineer I will build roads, bridges and dams. I will also work to disarm IEDs (improvised explosive device) because someone has to do it, and I’d rather it be me than some kid walking to school.
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
Yes, wrestling prepared me physically, but more importantly, mentally, because wrestling takes a lot of commitment and gave me the confidence to succeed as a Marine.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
I haven’t had a single most significant influential figure, but two highly influential figures, Coach Randy Lemon and Coach Chad Cushenbery, who always pushed me to do my best. Coach Lemon always taught me that it was better to be dragged off of the mat as a champion than to walk off knowing that you didn’t give it your all. Coach Cushenbery was a close friend and gave me the guidance that I needed.
Jake Flynn
Soccer player and team captain of swim team entering the Navy/Marines ROTC program at
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
It would probably have to be swimming at the state competition this year.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
Ever since the fifth grade I have wanted to be in the military. I received the ROTC scholarship for the Navy/Marines and I will join the Marines after college. I just feel that the Marines is the best choice for the job I want to do, which is
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
In some ways. Soccer has taught me to work with my teammates to get things done, while swimming has helped me prepare mentally when the team is counting on me. Whether they needed me to cut time to win a close race or push myself in practice, there is a lot of stress when people are counting on you. That will definitely be useful in the future.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
God has to be the biggest, but if you are asking about friends or family I would have to say my parents. Even though they worry about my decision, they have always supported and respected it, offering advice whenever needed.
Amanda Mobley
Wichita East track athlete entering the Navy
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
It would definitely be the first day that I jumped the five-foot mark in the high jump. Although it was just at practice, it was a personal goal of mine.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
I joined the Navy, and I did so because I am the type of person that likes to work hard, travel and make money. I felt this would be the perfect job for me.
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
Of course! Playing sports has not only kept me physically fit which is extremely important, but it has also taught me the fundamentals necessary to succeed in the military and civilian life.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
Without a doubt it would be my mother. She has supported everything I have ever done and is and always will be by biggest fan. She also is my role model.
Bekah Jewell
Derby soccer goalkeeper entering the Navy
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
I got kicked in the head at the Newton soccer game, and when I was knocked out on the ground, someone stepped on my neck. I couldn’t move my arms or legs, so an ambulance was called to take me to a Wichita hospital. At the hospital they had to cut my uniform off. One of my teammates sewed my shirt back together so I could still play in it.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
I joined the Navy because they were able to give me the job that I wanted. I am proud of this great nation, and believe I should give back and help continue in the fight for freedom and justice.
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
Yes, playing high school sports has taught me self-discipline, teamwork, and, most importantly, leadership. Sports have always been a positive influence on my life and will continue to make a difference in my life.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
My summer team coach, Billy Martin. I had never played competitive sports until my sixth grade year when he called and offered me a spot. He taught me so much about athletics, but, more importantly, about the importance of how a true athlete has the heart and the will to play. Billy was always like a father to me and never accepted anything less than my best. Last summer was his last year coaching and I will miss him very much.
Alex Simon
Andale football wideout/defensive back and track athlete entering the Marine Corps
What was the highlight of your high school athletic career?
I would have to say that it was winning back-to-back state championships in football.
What made you decide to sign up for military service?
Since my sophomore year I have been thinking that I wasn’t going to have a way to pay for college. So I figure what better way than the military. I talked to the Air National Guard and the Navy, but I finally decided to go into the Marines. Going to college?
Do you feel that your participation in high school athletics has prepared you for the military?
Yes, definitely. It taught me to never give up and to try harder if you don’t succeed.
What person has been the biggest influence on your life to this point?
My dad. He and I just have a really good bond together. We like doing stuff together and have a lot of fun.
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A collection of this month's best action photos.
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