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Intramural football, indoor soccer kick-off at JBLM

Time to sign up to play

Justin Jordan, left, from the 508th MPs, runs down 63rd Ord. quarterback, PV2 Lorenzo Waring during a flag football game between the two unbeaten teams at Cowen Stadium Oct. 11, 2011 at JBLM. Photo credit: Jim Bryant/NW Guardian

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If you know what a button hook is or what an off-tackle trap is, then Teresa Hatch wants to talk to you.

It's that time of year again - football season. And as the Seattle Seahawks begin their run to another anticipated NFL playoff spot, the flag football season at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is gearing up. The season kicks off Aug. 23.

Hatch, in her first year as the coordinator of recreation sports at JBLM, isn't sure how many teams will sign up this year, but she anticipates between 20 and 30 teams from units on base.

"It's unit-based, and it just depends on how many units are around for the season," she said.

Each team plays eight games, and the top teams qualify for a two-week playoff stretch. Playoffs are single elimination.

Besides having fun, the objective of flag football is simple.

"It provides a venue for the airmen and soldiers to get out," Hatch said. "It also promotes teamwork, esprit de corps, and it builds morale."

The experience level of those who turn out for flag football varies from ex-college players to former high school players to those who have never played.

For those who aren't adept at catching or throwing and playing football, Hatch has a solution - soccer. For the first time this year, JBLM's intramural sports will offer indoor soccer. Games will be played at Wilson Gym on the gym floor.

The objectives are the same for football and soccer.

"We're trying to provide a variety of different sports for people to participate in and get out there and be part of their unit," Hatch said. "Not everyone plays the same sports."

In the spring outdoor soccer season, there were 27 teams registered. Hatch is hoping for as many to sign up for the fall league, which begins Aug. 29.

If football and soccer doesn't interest you, Hatch has yet another option. September 24, JBLM's intramural sports will offer a bench-press competition. Participants will be divided into weight classes, and the goal is to lift the most weight doing the bench press.

Hatch isn't sure how many will sign up for the competition.

"It's hard to gauge," she said. "First one we did we had fifteen people out there. I have to get between fifteen and thirty."

Sign-up sheets are in the gyms on base. For more information, call 253.967.4768 or go to www.jblmmwr.com/fitness.html.

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