McConnell and Fort Riley to tackle it out

Airman 1st Class John Holt, 22nd Medical Support Squadron records technician, helps McConnell Airmen prepare Oct. 12, 2010, for an upcoming flag football game at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. McConnell’s team and cheerleaders will travel to Fort Riley, Kan., to compete in a game against U.S. Army Soldiers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

McConnell and Fort Riley to tackle it out

Airman 1st Class Baily Zimmerman, 22nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight medicine technician, practices a cradle stunt Oct. 12, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Airman Zimmerman and the McConnell cheerleaders are preparing to cheer for McConnell’s flag football game against Fort Riley Soldiers. The game is scheduled for Oct. 16 at Fort. Riley, Kan. The coach, players and cheerleaders request the participation of Team McConnell. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales)

McConnell, Fort Riley to tackle it out

Published Oct. 13, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The McConnell base football team will travel to Fort Riley, Kan., to compete in a head-to-head flag football game against the U.S. Army Fort Riley team Oct. 16, 2010.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., with the game starting after a polo shirt exchange and coin toss.

"We are going with a full approach of winning this game," said Shawn Hinkle, 22nd Medical Support Squadron facility manager and football coach. "Our approach is to put the best we have on base in the game."

McConnell's team of 17 has been preparing up for the event for more than four weeks. The coaching staff and team have successfully negotiated obstacles such as intramurals, deployments and scheduling conflicts to maximize their practice time.

"Thankfully, [Airmen] are getting playing time and catching balls, because of intramurals," said Mr. Hinkle.

Alot of preparation has gone into the game because it's a rematch for the Airmen and an attempt to take the crown from the soldiers. In 2009, the Army came out on top, 28-13, in the final two minutes because of an Air Force turnover and a last minute touchdown from the soldiers.

"The score looked bad, but it was down to the wire," said Mr. Hinkle. "I think we have a better team and I am sure Fort Riley does too, but we definitely want all the support we can get."

McConnell's team has worked hard to return the traveling trophy, and requests the support of the base. According to the McConnell cheerleaders, Fort Riley team spirit is at a high with the full support of the post the Air Force should mirror their enthusiasm.

"I want to ask Team McConnell to come out and help cheer from the crowd -- maybe make a poster," said Airman 1st Class Ashley Baker, 22nd Medical Support Squadron medical admin and cheerleader. "This is your home, you should show your support in any way you can and represent the Air Force."