Intramural basketball to begin at Maxwell Published Aug. 3, 2012 By Airman 1st Class William J. Blankenship Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- Defending champion, Air Force Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems, hopes to repeat its victory the Maxwell three -on - three intramural basketball tournament Aug. 20. Maxwell traditionally has 10 teams play in the tournament, said David Gates, sports program director for Maxwell AFB. All participants must play with their organizations team. If their organization will not be fielding a team, they can be entered into the players' pool and assigned to a team that requested additional players. "In last year's tournament there were enough players in the pool to make a 'Players' Pool' team," said Gates. The deadline for entering a team is noon today, and no teams will be accepted into the league after the deadline. All teams that are entered must supply the fitness and sports center with a list of duty related activities with the commander's signature that could conflict with the scheduling during the season. The commander's endorsement is mandatory to enter a team. "With the intramural sports program being unit-based, each team that participates is representing their organization," explained Gates. "The commander's endorsement approves the individuals listed as coaches to lead a team that is representing the organization." If you're interested in joining a team or just catching a game, contact your unit sports representative or Gates at 953-7894 or e-mail him at david.gates.ctr@maxwell.af.mil "Intramural sports provide young Airmen with a means of experiencing Air force cohesion," said Senior Airman Austin Sturdivant, Air University knowledge operations manager and intramural basketball participant. "I feel as an Airman participating in team sports, I gain leader and followership traits along with the will to give my all to accomplish the ultimate goal of winning and succeeding."