Army West Point Athletics
Mar. 23, 2010 - James Raymond (Golf)
March 24, 2010 | General
Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision?
West Point represents the best and brightest of America's future Army officers. It has the best access to resources giving us the best training and leader development in the country. My Dad served a career in the Army as an officer and growing up as a military brat influenced my decision heavily as well.
What does it mean to you to be able to play golf at West Point?
Any competitive sport has its benefits, but even more so here at West Point. You are expected to meet the demands of a DI athlete while still meeting the demands of being a cadet in the Corps. To be able to compete against other teams and represent everything West Point stands for is a great honor.
What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?
You will make some of the closest friends you will ever have here. As an athlete, we have shared losses and wins together. No matter what the outcome, you can always count on your teammates to be there in the end. That is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point.
What is the most difficult thing?
The most difficult thing for me is balancing my commitment to the golf team and to that of my company. They both demand a lot of involvement if you want to be successful but not everything always works out perfectly and you will have to sacrifice in one area.
What is your fondest memory at West Point?
-In sports?
Beating Navy this year on their home turf; it was our first time doing it since I have been here and there is no greater feeling than beating Navy, especially in the enemy's territory.
-Outside of sports?
Being 1st SGT of G-4 2nd semester of my Cow year; it was by far the best leadership development opportunity I have had at the academy and the best interaction I have had with my company.
What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here?
-Socially
I haven't changed that much. We all face similar demands on time, academics, ect., but it really is a personal choice whether you sit at your computer and surf the web, sit in the library, or take the time to get to know your classmates. It is possible to balance everything and still be social.
-Athletically
I agree with my teammate Mark Garrison when he says we haven't really improved that much on the golf course, but our overall fitness has definitely reached another level since coming to West Point.
-Academically
Again, it is all about balance. I have learned a lot in the realm of academics, but more importantly, I have learned how to learn the right things, retain important information, and how to manage your studies and manage your time efficiently.
What do you enjoy doing during your "down time"?
Hanging out with teammates and friends, talking to my girlfriend, working out, movies.
What is your major and what is the most interesting thing you've learned here?
My major is Defense and Strategic Studies and the most interesting things I have learned here are not from course texts, but from instructors who have recently returned from deployment and have so much valuable information and stories they are willing to share.
Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation?
Aviation
What is the best thing about being a cadet at West Point?
The relationships you build with your teammates and company mates. You all go through the same hardships to a certain extent, experience the same changes, and live together for 4 years; nowhere else will you get the chance, in an environment like this, to build such lasting friendships. The second best thing is the resources and opportunities available to cadets. I have been to Mozambique over spring break, flown in UH-60's for summer training, and learned some valuable lessons from Army Officers and NCO's assigned here. It is the best possible place for the development of future Army Officers.
