Gymnastics Blog: Branch Week and Conference Rings

Branch Week is one of the most exciting times at West Point. Every branch of the Army sets up a static display on the apron for cadets to gain insight on which branch to select after their time at West Point. Cadets choose from Adjutant General, Air Defense Artillery, Aviation, Armor, Chemical, Cyber, Engineer, Field Artillery, Finance, Infantry, Medical Service, Military Intelligence, Military Police, Ordnance, Quartermaster, Signal, and Transportation. Following Branch Week, cadets input their preference for branching, ranking the branches from one through 17. This is the first time plebes input preferences, and the last (and most important) time for firsties. These preferences, among other criteria, are used to place firsties into their future branches in the Army. The branch announcements for firsties take place on Nov. 19 this year. In the middle of Branch Week, the gymnastics team gathered in front of the Armor display for an official picture. We staged the picture in front of a tank with a pommel horse, still-rings, the ECAC trophy, and a few heavy weapons. Once again, Dr. Malinoski did a great job capturing the team and our mentality this year- defending our title.

On the following Saturday, Army West Point gymnastics showed off our skills at Black Knights Alley, a pre-football game event with activities for fans. We set up mats and a mini-trampoline to flip over courageous volunteers. Getting involved with Black Knights Alley is a great way for the gymnastics team to interact with the West Point community and show our support for the football team. Following Black Knights Alley, the team enjoyed a BBQ at Lou Gross Sports Center, put together by several members of the Army Gymnastics family. Later, during the second quarter of the Wake Forest game, the gymnastics team was recognized on the field for winning the 2015 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championships.

The next Friday, September 25th, the team received rings for our conference win last year. Getting our rings was a simple event prior to a normal practice, but meant more to me and my teammates than many people know. For me, the ring represents thirteen years of hard work and serves as a reminder of our team's goals this year. Moving forward, our team must keep in mind that our past actions are only a reminder of what we are capable of, not what defines us. We are defined by our current goals and how we are working to achieve them. Out of the gym, we aim to develop as individuals and future leaders in the Army. In the gym, we are tenaciously training to defend our ECAC title. Stay tuned to read more about Army West Point gymnastics.

Go Army!
- Joe Pritts

Army West Point Athletics

Gymnastics Blog: Branch Week and Conference Rings

Players Mentioned

Joe Pritts

Related Videos