Spartan Soldier snags spot on All-Army team

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith
  • 4-25th ABCT Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Spc. Jeremy Durgin, a human resources specialist with the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, was selected to represent the Spartan Brigade and JBER as a boxer in the beginning of March at the All-Army Boxing team's camp in Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

On March 9, he defeated Spc. Michael Mendez of Fort Bragg, N.C., to cement his spot.
Registered at the All-Army Boxing camp as a number-one seed in the Featherweight Class, Durgin earned a spot on the All-Army team by excelling in boxing throughout his life, and he has several trophies from previous competitions.

As a prerequisite, boxers attending the camp have to be registered with USA Boxing as an amateur with at least three sanctioned bouts on their official record.

Durgin is both driven and well rounded according to Sgt. William R. Allen, Durgin's first-line supervisor.

"Durgin has potential, not just in boxing, but in many aspects," Allen said. "He does not drink or smoke, and he stays motivated. He is young and has lots to learn, but he is on the right track."

If he is good enough, Durgin may have the chance to represent the U.S. in the Olympics, but it will be a hard-fought battle to the top.

Coaches at the camp choose the best fighter in each weight class to compete in the Armed Forces Championships.

At the championships, the fighters compete for a gold medal against the best of the best from each of the nation's Armed Services.

Winning gold at the Armed Forces Championships earns a boxer a spot at Nationals and the Conseil International du Sport Militaire, international military games competition.
The national competition is very competitive.

Only the top-tiered boxers reach the coveted level of World Class Athlete Program.

If a Soldier reaches WCAP status he will go on special orders and his mission will be to prepare for Olympic Trials. Winning at the Olympic Trials puts an athlete into the Olympics.

The national competition will be in Spokane, Wash.