Hawks win versus Beale

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Travis Hawks kicked off their first game of the season Tuesday against Beale Air Force Base with a 46-43 victory.

The Hawks are the Travis' men's basketball team. They represent Travis at base level basketball games and tournaments. During the season, the team plays Beale AFB, Vandenberg AFB, Nellis AFB and Camp Pendleton.

The team, comprised of 12 individuals, held try-outs in August where any active-duty members, dependents or civilian contractors could come out and compete for a spot on the team.

"It's open to anyone with an interest in basketball and wants to represent and support Travis," said Airman 1st Class Aaron Reams, 60th Force Support Squadron outbound assignments and captain of the Travis Hawks.

After individuals have been picked for the team, they must attend the mandatory practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays where they practice passing or run on the fitness pad.

This year, due to funding, the players paid out of pocket for any expenses.

"This is the first year players had to pay out of pocket for things like transportation to games," said Staff Sgt. Khacy Lava, 60th FSS Fitness Center special events coordinator. "Despite having to pay out of pocket, the team has had a really good turn-out."

Even though they spend five hours a day practicing after work, Reams said there is a lot of morale on the team.

"We just enjoy playing basketball and representing Travis," he said.