Do you have what it takes?

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ronald Lafosse
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Air Force Sports Program, a program designed to allow active duty, Guardsmen and Reservists to participate at Air Force, Armed Forces, national and international sports events provides an opportunity for Airmen to compete.

Team McConnell members, Airman 1st Class Johnathan Scherquist, 22nd Force Support Squadron, and Capt. Ascenzo Bonitati, 384th Air Refueling Squadron, have taken an interest in the AFSP.

Both Airmen participated in the Conseil International du Sport Militaire World Military Taekwondo Championship and the United States National Taekwondo Federation competition. Captain Bonitati took 2nd place at the USNTF 16th International Tournament.

"I've been fighting for a long time but wearing U.S.A. on my back definitely felt special and I was honored to do it," said Airman Scherquist who took 3rd place at the USNTF 16th International Tournament.

To apply for the program, Airmen must submit a completed AF Form 303, Request for USAF Specialized Sports Training.

Experience cited in higher level competition and recent significant performances in the sport are important to the selection criteria. Experience should be in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent and working backwards.

Athletes must obtain supervisor's, commander's, and Fitness Center Director's endorsements on the AF Form 303.

Selections for the all Air Force Sports Teams are made approximately 30 days prior to the first day of the trial camp. Trial camps are short in duration and can be physically demanding, mentally challenging and highly competitive. Athletes should be in top condition for the trial camps to best showcase their talents and abilities to the coaches and other officials who will select the Air Force team.

Currently, Captain Bonitati is preparing for the U.S. Open in February and then National Qualifiers and Nationals. Airman Scherquist is working towards team trials in April and his goal applying for the World Class Athlete Program.

"Anyone who wants to compete on one of the Air Force or military teams just needs to remain focused and work with their leadership to work out a plan that benefits both parties," said Captain Bonitati.

For more information about the AFSP, visit their Web site http://www.usafsports.com/default.htm, or email web.sports@randolph.af.mil.