Marines HITT it hard

Marines hit it hard during a High Intensity Tactical Training competition held on Sorensen Field aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., July 28-30.

The competition was used to determine a top male and top female athlete to represent the base at the USMC HITT Ultimate Tactical Athlete Championship, to be held aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif. Sept. 15-17.

“Top athletes from USMC installations across the nation compete, then the fun begins in the culmination of three grueling days designed to separate those who can, from those who cannot,” said Shelley Lamey, director of Semper Fit Gym on base, and coordinator of the local competition. “The best of the Marine Corps battle it out to proudly wear the title ‘Ultimate Tactical Champion’.”

Sgt. Justin Mears, retail manager for Marine Corps Community Services, won the top male athlete position for MCLB Barstow.

“Competing against the best athletes Marine Corps-wide is humbling,” said Mears, “but I feel like I have a shot and we’ll put out a good product between me and Zamora.”

Lance Cpl. Cristina Zamora, postal clerk, earned the top female athlete spot for the base. When asked what motivates her to compete, she said it was pride in both herself and the Marine Corps. She pointed out the high standards inherent in the Corps, standards she intends to meet and exceed as she strives to lead by example.

Lance Cpl. Robert Taylor, communications technician, is the alternate male athlete who will compete should Sgt. Mears be unable to.

At the competition in September, participants will receive medals and additional prizes, said Lamey. For Marines such as Mears and Zamora, however, the ultimate reward is to claim the title of “winner.”