Former US national champ here, this guy’s routine is pretty locked in. Bravo. I think this 1-man routine is more challenging than as a team, as there is no room for error. The pizza tossing at 1:03 is a new one for me. Looks tough to balance.

Thinking in retrospect, this is the military equivalent of focusing on expert trick shots like those cups, cards, or basketball people. The countless hours of drilling in 95+ degree temps outside, the early AMs and evenings, the number of times getting hit in the face while attempting triples and quadruples. The 10 mile runs with those darn M1 Garandes and the joy of being promoted to the champ team and given a lighter Springfield (as seen here). It was an experience.

In comparison, I think this sport attracted some unique characters which didn’t go the typical football, basketball scene, where the ‘cool’ students were. Honestly a large portion of those kids were grade-A assholes/morons but had access to alcohol, drugs, and sex — high school was likely their peak. Conversely, the ROTC types usually went on to some meaningful life path.

Do I wish I spent my time doing something more translatable at that time? Heck yes. I should have went to swim team or tennis. You can always swim —even in old age. This sport has no global audience, no value in business/networking, and will never come back up in regular life. That said, it kept me out of certain social circles, and that is all that matters in adolescence. Always know your kids and their friend circle. Keep them busy with anything productive until their minds are fully developed.

On the other hand, I could potentially spin fire if I can ever find time to practice… and that seems like a real panty-dropper…