Football
Darian Iverson
DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central football team recently took a short trip to the Durham Fire Department to participate in a unique type of competition.
Instead of toting a pigskin, the players carried hoses during firefighter tactical training. Thomas “T.C.” Carroll, the NCCU Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, organized the visit.
Wearing firefighting equipment, the players went through a series of tactical training obstacle courses designed to simulate real situations that firefighters encounter after receiving an emergency call. Divided into groups, they competed against one another in challenging workouts such as climbing four-story buildings, dragging 175-pound dummies to safety, and pulling water hoses and aiming them to extinguish fires.
Though the training was unconventional for the well-conditioned players, it pushed them to the brink of exhaustion. Coach Carroll didn’t allow them to let up, either. When asked if he wanted to end their training early, Coach Carroll used the expression “keep the guys in the fire” many times to the firefighters. In other words, don’t stop.
Even Dr. Sierra Hobbs, the NCCU Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, got in on the act. During the final obstacle, Hobbs pulled a tire attached to a heavy hose for nearly 30 yards, resulting in a huge roar of approval by the team. It was the highlight of the day.
Staying fit was only part of the team’s mission, however. The obstacle courses helped the Eagles utilize skills such as effective communication, leadership, teamwork, and grit – elements they will need for a championship run this fall. The Eagles bonded during the team-building experience, which provided a break from the typical weight room regimen.
In the end, the Eagles and the Durham Fire Department, which was a gracious host, were winners.
