Annapolis, Md. --
Marine Barracks Washington Marines competed in the Raging Rhino competition at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., Oct. 25, 2011. The Raging Rhino was the 13th event in the Barracks’ 17-event 2011 Commander’s Cup series.
Approximately 30 Marines participated in the combined running and swimming challenge which comprised a two mile run, a 300 meter swim, an additional one mile run and a final 150 meter swim.
The event was timed, starting at the commencement of the two mile run and did not end until competitors touched the wall on the final lap of the 150 meter swim.
"The running was the hardest part because your chest gets cold after swimming," said Lance Cpl. Tyler Messer, a Company B ceremonial marcher. "The swimming just took your wind away a little bit. I’d like to do this at least once a week; it’s a pretty good workout."
Major Phillip N. Ash, the Barracks operations officer and native of Frankford, De., won the Raging Rhino by a small margin, beating the Barracks commanding officer Col. Paul D. Montanus, by less than two minutes.
"It wasn’t an easy event by any means," explained Ash who is 42-years old. "However, I train for and perform in triathlons and understand how to push hard throughout the competition and still reserve enough energy to finish strong. You have to compete hard and smart."
The victory earned Ash 50 points, bringing his total to 150 and moving him closer to the over-all male Commander’s Cup points leader, Capt. Nicholas Schroback, Company B, 3rd platoon commander.
There are four events remaining in the Commander’s Cup series. The next event is the Marine Corps Marathon and 10k scheduled for 30 Oct. The Commander’s Cup will conclude with the Annapolis Challenge, an urban scavenger hunt scheduled for Nov. 16.
For more information on the Commander’s Cup, visit www.marines.mil/unit/barracks.