The Marines, from the College Station Marine Corps Recruiting Station (College Station, Texas) in association with 8th Marine Corps District (Fort Worth, Texas), led three one-hour works for the Buccaneers with a focus on providing a high-intensity exercise regimen and a renewed respect for the rigors of military training.
The joint workout wasn’t the first of its kind for Blinn head coach Ryan Mahon, who has invited the Marines to commandeer his practices several times during his eight seasons in Brenham. Mahon’s father, Jim Mahon, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, and the coach said the goal of Wednesday’s practice session was as much about breaking a sweat as it was understanding that college football is a privilege provided in part by the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces.
“These kids have the ability to go to school and play football; they get to do those things because of the sacrifices of soldiers like these gentlemen leading our practices today,” Mahon said. “We wanted to remind our kids that everything they’ve gotten in this life is made possible under the veil of freedom, and we wanted to give them a renewed understanding of that. Today was about mixing things up from a workout standpoint while also giving our kids some perspective.”
(Pictured: Blinn sophomore offensive lineman Giovanny Alegria carries Sgt. Nicholas Meyer across the field during a practice session led by United States Marines on Wednesday, July 26, in Brenham, Texas)
The workouts consisted of a set of circuits that included ammo container presses, sprints, prone crawls, and tandem body drags and carries. By the end of each 60-minute session, the Buccaneers could be seen drenched in sweat and grass as they battled to complete the routine.
“It was definitely something different, and this definitely gives me a sense of respect for the Marines and any branch of the military … these guys have what it takes,” Blinn sophomore offensive lineman Giovanny Alegria said. “Getting through something like this, as a team, is definitely a motivation boost. You watch your teammates going through a tough situation like this while still giving their all, and that makes you want to give your all, too.”
Freshman quarterback Khalib Johnson said Wednesday was as fun as it was intense, adding that he walked away from practice with a new respect for the Marines.
(Pictured: Blinn freshman quarterback Khalib Johnson presses an ammo can above his head during a practice session led by United States Marines on Wednesday, July 26, in Brenham, Texas)
“Today was intense, but it was fun being out here with the boys grinding and battling to get through it,” Johnson said. “For the Marines to take this time and come out here to provide this workout for us … they’re doing things in life that I know some of us will never understand … I know it means a lot for coach Mahon and every player out here to get to experience something like this. They’re teaching us lessons about teamwork and camaraderie that we’ll be able to take into the season.”
The workouts were spearheaded by Sgt. Nicholas Meyer, a seven-year veteran of the Corps. Meyer’s recruiting office regularly leads events like Wednesday’ practice, and the veteran said his team of Marines enjoys any opportunity it has to share some insight into its world.
(Pictured: Marine Corps Sgt. Nicholas Meyer demonstrates a body carry to members of the Blinn College football team during a practice session led by the Marines on Wednesday, July 26, in Brenham, Texas)
“We wanted to show these kids what the Marine Corps does in terms of what it takes to navigate a combat-type situation, and also give them an understanding of what we do to prepare ourselves physically,” Meyer said. “We’re also out here to motivate them and show them how to really push themselves past their mental and physical barriers to achieve a goal. I think we accomplished both of those missions today.”
Blinn opens its season at home against Louisiana Community Christian at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, at Cub Stadium in Brenham.
Blinn has competed in intercollegiate athletics since 1903 and captured 43 NJCAA national championships since 1987.
