Comets soccer trains in honor of local hero

Western Iowa Tech women's soccer coach Eddie Vongsiprasom, his family and the Comets women's soccer team spent a meaningful day together in honor of the namesake of John Douangdara Memorial Park in South Sioux City.

 

The Comets, three days into their preseason training, performed the "Doogie Dara Workout of the Day" on Saturday morning.

 

The annual tradition is in honor of fallen soldier John Douangdara, a South Sioux City native who was one of 31 U.S. service members, including a service dog, killed when the helicopter Extortion 17 was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011.

 

"The upcoming anniversary of this tragic event holds a lot of significance for my family, so having the team participate in the event meant a great deal to me," Coach Vongsiprasom said.

 

The workout:

400-meter run while carrying 25-50 pounds

8 sets of 31 step-ups

6 sets of 31 push-ups

11 sets of lunges

400-meter run while carrying 25-50 pounds

 

Every number in the workout has meaning.

 

John Douangdara ran the 400m in high school. The weight represents his dog Toby, who John would carry over his shoulders. Sets and reps of 8, 6, 11 and 31 represent the date of the tragedy, August 6, 2011 and the number of soldiers lost on that day.