Warrior takes fight to the field

  • Published
  • By Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Grand Forks Air Force Base --  When many people on base see Airman 1st Class Ryan Baker, they only see a vehicle operator with the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron. They would probably be surprised to learn he is also one of the newest members of the Air Forces’ Division 2 rugby team. 

Airman Baker was recently selected for the team after a three-day tournament in Savannah, Ga., which included 103 teams. 

“We arrived in Savannah early for two-a-day practices. Then, we played three games on Saturday [March 18] and two on Sunday [March 19],” Airman Baker explained. Eventually, 35 Air Force members were selected out of 68 active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen.
The tournament wasn’t the beginning of his try-outs, though. 

“I trained for weeks. I went on a strict diet, got my weight up by body building and worked on my speed and agility,” he said, adding that he was ecstatic when he found out about his selection. 

“I knew I was good; I was all-state in high school, but the talent at the tournament was incredible. The competition was way beyond what I was used to.”
Ironically, memories of high school seemed to follow him very closely that weekend. 

“My best friend and teammate from high school, a loadmaster at Dover Air Force Base, Del., tried out that weekend, too.”
As a second team, all-state running back, teamwork is nothing new to Airman Baker. “I formed a bond with all of my teammates during that tournament,” he said. “Just like in football, you can’t do it on your own in rugby. You have to depend on your team, and your team depends on you.” 

That “one team, one fight” attitude doesn’t stop on the field for Airman Baker. 

“He knows his place on our team, too,” said Staff Sgt. Chris Williams, 319 LRS vehicle operator and co-worker. “He definitely pulls his weight. If I could pick a guy to be in a convoy with me, he would be at the top of my list. He is a devoted athlete with a lot of drive and a sharp troop who sets the example for others.”
Airman Baker’s next tournament is scheduled to take place in Columbus, Ga., May 5 to May 8. 

For more on Air Force sports programs, call your local fitness center.