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Players with the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons practice a defensive play at the practice football field aboard MCAS Miramar, Calif., Oct. 24. The Falcons have their first playoff game Oct. 30.

Photo by Pfc. Raquel Barraza

Mack motivation: Falcons player does extra to help team for playoffs

24 Oct 2012 | Pfc. Raquel Barraza 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons have some of the best players on the west coast; the proof is in the Best of the West Championship trophy they won last year.

This year, the Falcons are working every day to ensure they take that trophy again, but it’s not just the training that helps them strive to be the best.

Sgt. Bryan Mack, a defensive tackle and Tacoma, Wash., native, is the defensive captain for the Falcons and aims to help his team earn gold.

“Being out here trying to keep up with my team is what motivates me,” said Mack.

This is Mack’s second year with the Falcons, so he knows how it feels to win a championship and wants nothing more than to share that experience with his team this year.

“It is a great feeling, winning the championship, and I just want the members who weren’t here last year to know what it feels like,” said Mack.

Coaches with the Falcons also recognize Mack’s ability to motivate and lead others.

“Mack’s a natural leader,” said Master Sgt. Ross Blain, the head coach of the Falcons and Miami native. “He always has high energy which he passes on to the team.”

With his experience from last year, Mack brings a presence that is never questioned on the team.

“The team is going to lean heavily on his experience and lessons learned,” Blain said. “It’s a huge asset, and it gives him that credibility of the hard work and dedication it takes to earn the championship.”

The Falcons have less than a week before their first playoff game and, with the help of players like Mack; the Falcons believe they have a good shot at going to the championship again.