SHIP SHAPE — Coasties get a bonus workout on the hardwood at Community Center (PHOTOS)

Nothing like a little friendly basketball game to get the blood pumping.

And that’s exactly what the Destin Coast Guardsmen have been doing for the last three years to stay in shape.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday at about 7:30 a.m., they can be found at the Destin Community Center running up and down gym playing a little five-on-five.

“We’ve been doing this for about three years,” said Chief Jack Porter. “We have to do mandatory PT.”

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And an hour of basketball has become a part of that physical training requirement.

“It’s more of a team-coordinated sport,” he said. “But it gives us a chance to talk a little trash at work … and we do talk it up at work.

“I love it,” said Coastie Tyler Baker. “A lot of people look forward to it. It’s a real good workout, a lot of cardio.”

On Wednesday this week, the Coast Guard had 10 players hit the court. Porter, Baker, Chris Johnson, John Scott, James Ralls, Billy Power, Michael Craig, Sam Parcher, Michael Zubillaga and Jesse Buntin.

When they’re not on the courts, “we lift weights and stretch,” Baker said. “We do traditional workouts. This is a bonus … it’s fun.”

On an average day, Baker said they will have about 10 or 11 guys show up to play.

“We’re a pretty athletic group,” he said.

In recent weeks, some of the Destin firefighters have joined in the competition.

“We play when we get off shift,” said firefighter and EMT Joe Anderson.

“We come out so they can beat up on us,” added Mike Landis, a firefighter.

“It keeps us humble,” Anderson said. “We’re not required to work out, but it gives us a chance to come out and run around … it’s a good time.”

The guys rotate in and off the floor, but when they’re not in the game, some are running around the court or doing sit-ups and pushups.

But when the clock strikes 8:30 a.m., it’s time to go to work.

“We get showered up and go patrol the waters,” Porter said.