NORAD/USNORTHCOM 4-peat as base intramural softball champions

Published Sept. 2, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Rose Gudex
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- For the fourth year in a row, the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command team took first place in the Peterson Intramural Silver Softball League championship.

The team's coach, Richard Morales, NORAD/USNORTHCOM portfolio manager, joined the team in 2009 and they haven't looked back. After his guidance the first year, the team was runner up in 2010 and has taken the championship title every year since 2012.

While it's been fun, it hasn't always been easy. For three years now, NORAD/ USNORTHCOM played the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron for the title and 21st CES is always a tough competitor.

"Moe" Frazier, NORAD/USNORTHCOM senior security analyst and member of the team, said it comes down to the last inning every time they are up against 21st CES.

"They're a tough team," he said. "We normally come in as the number one seed, but this year we weren't, so we had to beat them twice. They always bring their 'A' game, so we have to work that much harder."

To get ready for the season, some of the team members participate in the city league, which helps fine tune skills and try out new positions.

By playing in the city league, Morales said they are able to get a leg up and hopefully be more competitive against other teams. It's all good natured rivalries, but everyone likes to win.

"For coach, it helps with continuity and gauging player performance," Frazier said. "It's a way to get the team on the same page and be the best we can be."

No matter the scores and the outcome of games, playing softball gives everyone a chance to hang out outside the office and represent the command. He said they are always looking for new team members to replace the ever-changing military personnel assigned there. He said they even ask new people in the halls.

"It's nice to integrate the new faces around the office and get to know them away from work," Frazier said.

Next year? The team is looking to work hard and win the championship for the fifth year in a row.

NORAD/NORTHCOM 4-peat