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Competition at Camp Williams seeks Utah’s ‘Best Warrior’

Posted at 5:24 PM, Apr 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-10 21:26:21-04

BLUFFDALE, Utah -- Members of the Utah National Guard and Army Reserve are fighting to the finish this weekend for the title of "Best Warrior.”

The Utah National Guard hosted the event at Camp Williams, and the competition pits 35 soldiers against a series of physical and mental tests.

This year, for the first time, the competition also includes Army Reserve members. There are 23 Guardsmen and 12 Army Reserve members competing this year.

The National Guard says they're looking for people who fit the concept of a "total soldier,” and competitors say they're up to the challenge.

“Personally, I've done a lot of studying.... you know, Army regulations, did a lot of that. Obviously a lot of physical training,” said Sgt. Michael Dougherty of the 65th Field Artillery Brigade. “I spent a lot of time at the gym. I get out there, I run, you know, throw my ruck on, hike up the canyon a little bit."

The National Guard will choose the best competitors to advance to the regional round, where they will represent the Beehive State in Arizona next month.