U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
| U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1997 – present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Part of | |
| Nickname(s) | WCAP |
On Fort Carson
The U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is a military unit whose primary mission is to support nationally and internationally ranked soldiers in preparation for possible participation on the U.S. Olympic team.
It is a program that provides outstanding soldier-athletes the support and training to compete and succeed in national and international competitions such as the Military World Games. The program is headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado. [2]
| U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1997 – present |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Part of | |
| Nickname(s) | WCAP |
Community Outreach
Boyd Melson (right)
The US Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) allows top-ranked soldier-athletes to perform at the international level while also serving their nation in the military.
They compete throughout the year.
WCAP Soldiers come from the active, reserve and National Guard components.
They are selected for their ability to perform at the highest level of their sports.
After joining the unit, they hone their skills with elite civilian and military coaches at America’s best facilities.
National Visibility
WCAP also grants the United States Army important national visibility, and reinforces public pride in the United States Armed Forces. This is especially during high-profile competitions like the Olympic Games.WCAP Soldiers provide positive role models, motivate their fellow soldiers and give Americans another reason to get excited about the Army. Since 1948, more than 446 Soldiers have represented the United States at the Olympics, earning 111 medals in a variety of sports. [16]
On Social Media
It is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USArmyWCAP/
Selection
Any soldier-athlete (Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve) may apply for selection provided:
Soldier is in good military standing
The sport the soldier is applying for is an Olympic Sport
Soldier has completed Advanced Individual Training (enlisted) or Officer Basic Course (officer)
Soldier meets sport specific entry standards, which normally consists of attaining a high national ranking or being selected to a US National Team for international competition [4]
WCAP is not a developmental program; it targets athletes who have achieved world class status in their sport.
2019
WCAP
Nick Mowrer is a member of the U.S.
Army World Class Athlete Program in 2019.
He competed in the Winter Airgun Championships at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs,Colorado in December 2019.
The head coach of the U.S.
Army World Class Athlete boxing team is Charles Leverette.[17]
WCAP Olympians
2012
The Program sent 7 athletes and 4 coaches to the 2012 Summer Games in London. [5]
Sergeant First Class Dremiel Byers, Greco-Roman wrestling, 120kg
Sgt. 1st Class Keith Sanderson, rapid fire pistol
Sgt. 1st Class Daryl Szarenski, pistol
Staff Sgt. John Nunn, 50 km racewalk
SPC Justin Lester, Greco-Roman wrestling
Sgt. Spenser Mango, Greco-Roman wrestling
SPC Dennis Bowsher, Modern Pentathlon
2010
During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games three soldier-athletes and one coach represented WCAP and the US Army in the XXI Olympiad.
Jeremy Teela, 10K Sprint
John Napier, 4 man.USA
Sled II Pilot
Christopher Fogt, 4 man USA Sled II Brakeman
SGT William Tavares (Team USA Bobsled Coach)
2008
During the 2008 Beijing Summer Games two WCAP athletes and one coach represented WCAP and the US Army in the XXIX Olympiad:
Michael Anti, 50 m Rifle Competition
Dremiel Byers
Keith Sanderson, Rapid Fire Competition
MAJ David Johnson (Team USA Shooting Coach)
Other notable WCAP alumni
Boyd Melson, 2004 gold medal, World Military Boxing Championships
Preston Hartzog, silver medal 1999 Military World Games