Auburn University Montgomery athletes team with OTS staff Published Sept. 1, 2015 By By Airman First Class Zoe Russell 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala., -- Maxwell Airmen teamed up with 170 Auburn University Montgomery athletes during the 2015 AUM Warhawk Olympics, Aug. 22, 2015, in Montgomery, Alabama. The annual event kick-starts the school year- by bringing together athletes from AUM's 10 varsity sport teams to compete in team-building challenges. It was the first time Officer Training School staff members participated. The athletics department at AUM tried to mix things up this year by incorporating military personnel into the development of their student athletes. " We are in provision year one of NCAA Division II, and one of the initiatives that we created in 2014 was to engage in military personnel in the development of student athletes," said Jessie Rosa, AUM's interim athletics director. "I'm a military brat, so I understand what the military can do in terms of teaching these kids moral character, team building, and leadership." During the event, multiple teams rotated between various activity stations, building comradery, and learning how to communicate with unfamiliar teammates. "To see them learn about each other, to see them work and build those relationships, it's neat," said Rosa. "And pulling in Officer Training School really takes it into another level." OTS staff members spent time with each team, encouraging athletes to work together to complete the challenges while sharing their communication and problem solving skills. Jumping right in and participating in the scenarios with the players was the best way to make connections, said Capt. Kris Walker. "That's how you are able to tell your Air Force story." The interactions between the athletes and Airmen also helped convey a newfound understanding about Maxwell's mission.