For Herricks alumini Evan Marcy just rehabilitating from injuries sustained while serving in the military was not enough.

He wanted to excel and that determination recently earned him his participation in the 2011 Warrior Games.

The retired Army specialist and son of Duane and Joy Marcy of Moore Street, New Hyde Park, Marcy is one of a small group of wounded warriors who have not only spent long hours of rehabilitation to regain a sense of normalcy, but have taken their recovery to a whole new level to compete in the 2011 Warrior Games competition.

Marcy and competitors from all services are on the national stage in Colorado Spring, CO, to compete in a series of Paralympics events, ranging from sitting volleyball to wheelchair basketball, swimming, archery and track and field events. He competed for the Army team in the swimming and handcycle events.

“I am honored to be here competing for the Army. It’s amazing that I am able to do this,” said Marcy, a 2002 graduate of Herricks High School.

Athletes spent the week prior to the competition, which began on May 16, working as teams and honing their skills to competition level.

For Marcy and his fellow athletes, it was also a time to bond as fellow wounded warriors.

“Next time I compete, I’ll remember about the altitude difference and be more prepared for it,” Marcy said.

Warrior Games is a U.S. Paralympics competition sponsored by the U.S. Olympic Committee and features a combination of active duty and retired veterans who have sustained injuries during their service. Some athletes have gold in mind, while others attend for the camaraderie and the experience of competition.

“I hope that I trained hard enough to come away from this competition with a medal,” said Marcy, preferred to focus on his current achievements rather than discuss the circumstances of his injuries.

Although his journey to these games has been similar hard work and dedication most elite athletes face, for Marcy and the other wounded warriors participating in this unique contest, Warrior Games 2011 has also been a testament to the spirit and ‘gut wrenching’ determination of these competitors.