Air Force ROTC wins 29th Annual Flyin’ Irish Basketball Tournament

CLEMSON – Ten cadets from Clemson University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 770 traveled to the University of Notre Dame to play in the 29th Annual Flyin’ Irish Basketball Tournament that was held from February 27 to March 1. The tournament is organized by cadets in Air Force ROTC Detachment 225 at the University of Notre Dame and is open to Army, Air Force, and Navy ROTC units across the country. This year, more than 30 teams competed in the event.

Facing opponents from all military services, Clemson’s Air Force ROTC Det 770 Flyin’ Tigers won the tournament and bested schools such as the University of Kentucky, Iowa State University, Indiana University, and University of Michigan on their way to winning the championship game 47-29 versus Texas A&M, a perennial favorite in the tournament.

“It’s always fun to compete and win, but the best part of this tournament is hanging out with my teammates and getting to know the younger cadets outside the training environment,” said Nathan Bruhn, team captain and senior cadet. “It’s really just one big road trip with friends.”

Competition was tough, but the Flyin’ Tigers managed to claim an average 23-point margin of victory throughout tournament play. The Flyin’ Tigers of Det 770 have won the tournament two of the last three years and have already set their sights on next year’s event.

Anyone interested in learning more about opportunities with Air Force ROTC may contact a cadre member at 864-656-3254.