An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Four-play: Air Force takes top spot in NFL Military Challenge again

  • Published
  • By Mark Munsey
  • 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs contributor
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  As the Hickam-rostered Air Force team went for their fourth straight victory in the NFL Military Challenge Feb. 7 at Kapiolani Park, the storyline bordered on stale. 

So like any good movie sequel, in addition to the returning villains - Army, Navy, Marine and Coast Guard teams - a couple of new antagonists made their debut.
Pacific Air Forces. 

The Operational Readiness Inspection schedule kept Richard Good from thrice-defending his field goal kicking crown. Instead,  Mike Maynard did his best (New England Patriot quarterback)  Matt Cassel impression replacing a legend. If it weren't for the Army team with a former collegian kicker on their roster, making all 10 of his swings, Maynard's nine would have kept the streak alive. 

Then there was the challenge officials themselves conspiring against the blue during the punting competition. While several unofficial score keepers had Nathan Angel three-punt yardage total - including the event's only non-penalized crush of 37 yards - firmly locked in second place, the judges ponderously placed him fourth. 

A wake-up call, according to Nate Allen, AF four-year team captain who was unaccustomed to anything but trophy posing at the closing ceremonies. 

"We knew we had to take care of this ourselves" he said. 

The five-person 40-yard dash relay had a new twist; all the team's running at once. A chance to clear up old debts, according to Marcus Fox, former track star at Claflin College in Orangesburg, S.C. 

"They clocked the Army beating us by about 1/100th of a second last year," he bemoaned. "This was a sprint to redemption." 

It was left to the last-leg legs of Winston Jackson to seal the deal, but not without drama. 

"I slipped and he got off better than me," Jackson said. "But I caught him." 

It was the team's first first-place finish, but far from it's last. 

Newcomer Dwayne Clark, became the team's fourth quarterback in as many years, but the passing competition results remained the same. The only team to not miss a single reception opportunity, the victory was already well in hand when - with seconds remaining - Clark gave the subtle head nod to final receiver Allen, who blasted down the sideline and hauled in a 43-yarder. 

The final challenge, which anyone who has tried to make a varsity roster would recognize as 'suicides' was best summed up by the Marine team captain: "I didn't know we were coming out here against the Air Force Track and Field team." 

Another event victory, another overall day of the other branches playing for second place; the Coasties and Marines tied for fourth, Navy in third and Army placing second.
Allen, in his final military challenge before heading back to the Colorado Springs to - naturally - become a position coach on the AF Academy football team where he starred just four years ago, kept the day's events in perspective even as held the victor's cup high. 

"It's been a great chance to compete against our sisterservice warriors in a friendly, athletic environment," he said. "I just wish I could be here next year when we go for one for the thumb." 

For more information about the challenge or other base intramural programs, contact Dawn Pierce, Hickam Sports and Fitness director, at 448-4640.