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Broncos tackle obstacles with U.S. Marine Corps

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There is no doubt the reigning state champion Rancho Bernardo High football team is working hard in preparation for another season. The Broncos endure the typical grueling summer conditioning, but there is always one unique day that stands out from the rest.

The day they get on a bus and work out with the military.

In 2011, Rancho Bernardo trained at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, in 2015 the Broncos trained with the Navy SEALS at the Navy Special Warfare Center and on Saturday they traveled to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

Rancho Bernardo not only trained strenuously with Marines, but they also focused on teamwork and building moral, specifically reinforcing coach Tristan McCoy’s B.L.U.E (Brave, loyal, unrelenting, enthusiastic) philosophy.

“When we planned out the trip, we wanted to provide our kids with experiences that involved our core values,” McCoy said. “Additionally, the Marines weaved these ideas during their talks with the players throughout the day.”

The experience began with a 7 a.m. arrival at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The Broncos started with the challenging Marine obstacle course and the rigorous training continued from there.

“Right away our team started the day with a lot of energy and intensity,” said, Ramon Colon, a senior linebacker/running back. “The Marines expect a lot out of every single person and for us to work as a unit.”

Much of the training was revolved around tasks that focused on teamwork and building a unique sense of camaraderie.

“There’s a lot of trust involved,” chimed in senior defensive tight end Matt Roehrig. “You need to trust that your teammate is going to be there to carry you and be there for you during tough times now and during the season.”

That seems to be no issue for the tight-knit Broncos.

“A few Marines came up to me and said how impressed by the level of teamwork they witnessed among our kids,” McCoy said. “It was really special to watch them get challenged and work through the tasks as a team. I think the lessons learned there will be really important to our guys during the season.”

The amount of physicality required of the Broncos was easily matched with the mental aspect necessary in completing their training at Miramar.

“They worked us until we couldn’t go anymore and after that they worked us even more,” senior wide receiver Christian Baker said. “That’s when you truly see how a team comes together.”

Said Kaelan Pestano: “What we did once, they do 10 times over. You really gain a new appreciation for all that (the Marines) do.”

Despite the intensity and seriousness of the training, the Marines made sure to mix in a little humor. Following the grueling day of hard work, the boys were to receive a tour, which would consist of a six-mile run around the base. Although the team was ready, their run was graciously cut down to one lap, resulting in many relieved sighs and smiling faces.

“Even though you could see on everybody’s face that nobody wanted to run six miles at the end of the day, I loved that the team still all came together, lined up, and was ready to do it,” Colon said.

With their latest trip in the books, Rancho Bernardo knows the season is just around the corner.

“Our trip with the Marines made it feel like the season was that much closer,” Colon said. “With the energy from the team and the competition, we’re ready to do this.”

Lohr is a freelance writer

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