Team Minot tops list in rowing challenge

Published May 10, 2012
By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Team Minot Airmen earned $50,000 in quality of life funds from Air Force Global Strike Command after placing first in the base category for most meters rowed during the command's Rowing Challenge. Minot logged the longest distance among the command's bases, rowing a total of 5,521,161 meters.

The competition was part of the American300 Never Quit Series and was held from April 5 to May 5.

Each of Global Strike Command's five base fitness centers received a rowing machine, each designated with one of the five colors used to represent the Olympic rings. Teamwork was essential, as the machines tracked the total number of meters rowed by all Airmen during the competition.

"Minot started off strong and didn't look back," said Master Sgt. Markus Nehlsen, 5th Force Support Squadron Rowing Competition coordinator. "Leadership allowing Airmen to come row was superb. Having squadrons cover the rower during the week made sure the changeover occurred quickly. There was never a moment that the rower sat idle except for when we closed."

Nehlsen said every squadron participated, but there were 10 rowers who rowed particularly strong and were pulling an average of 7,400 meters every 30 minutes.

Individuals that wanted to row signed up on the official wait list. They would annotate the time signed up and how long they planned to row. According to AFGSC, there were no advance sign-ups, making people physically go to the gym to row. Units were also tasked with certain days to ensure the rower was never idle.

Minot's top three rowers were Lt. J.T. Toney, 91st Operation Support Squadron, came in third, Senior Airman Chance Harmon, 91st Security Forces Group Tactical Response Force member, placed second, and Staff Sgt. Jonathan Every, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, came in first.

"I had it in my mind when I started that I was going to be first," said Every. "I rowed five to seven times every day for the month, taking only two days off. Physically, I knew I could do it. It was the mental challenge that kept me going."

Every's dedication led him to row an impressive 1,024,657 meters, which placed him in third place among top individual rowers in Global Strike Command. He was only two spots shy from having the opportunity to accompany the American 300 tour to London in July later this year.

Nevertheless, it was with his help that the base came on top and right now leadership has many ideas on how to spend the $50,000 earned.

Some ideas include a crossfit gym, an obstacle course, a Mixed Martial Arts cage or boxing ring and to improve and rubberize the outdoor track. Aside from the money for the base, the competition proved to be beneficial in other ways.

"Individuals also showed a lot of support to our top three rowers," said Nehlsen. "They would give up their spot and allow Minot's top rowers to be competitive for the trip to London. This selfless effort by many was displayed on several occasions."

"Minot was up to the challenge," continued Nehlsen. "With Col. Jim Dawkins', 5th Bomb Wing commander, and Col. S.L. Davis', 91st Missile Wing commander, support as well as the support of all the units' leadership, Team Minot stepped up and rowed more than 3,065 miles."

"This took two wings to get this far," said Col Dawkins. "You guys [Every and Harmon] set the standard for everyone else to follow. Great job."

The fitness center also did their part to keep the rower in motion. Any time there wasn't anyone covering it for a period of time, the staff would jump on and keep it going. Team Minot acted as a team and took it all the way. Leadership says they are ready for the next challenge.