News

Volley of Airmen bringing the game to the court

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Volleyball season is here and Team Dover members are putting on their jerseys and practicing their bump, set and spikes to win the championship.

The 436th Aerial Port Squadron and the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron are tied for first place as other squadrons are working their way up the brackets.

"The main thing about playing volleyball is to have fun and win," said Michael Pfefferkorn, 436th APS coach and Port Dog player of six years. "This definitely increases morale."

For avid sports athletes, playing volleyball is fun and more than just a group function, it's the sport itself.

"My favorite thing about playing volleyball is the feeling of making a clean spike through a block from the other team," said Brian Hunter, 436th APS team member and volleyball player for 10 years, who says his team has been consistently playing well to reach the championships.

The Port Dogs' coach says Airman Hunter is a pretty great player and is glad to have him as a part of the team.

"I'm proud of my team. They always give 110 percent when they're out on the court. There's no complaining and I enjoy playing with them," said Coach Pfefferkorn. "We're a very competitive team and I believe this is one of the best teams we've had in awhile."

Other volleyball players who have joined the team are simply playing for pure enjoyment of the game with their fellow Airmen.

"This is my first year playing for the team. It's exciting to be a part of a team, but it's really the team spirit that brings me to each game," said Jacqueline Shelton, 436th Maintenance Operations Squadron player.

The 436th MOS coach, Salvatore Corrao, said he really enjoys playing with his team as well.

"Our team has had a rough season so far, but we're out there working hard to improve," said Coach Corrao.

Team Dover members offer one another support and positive encouragement during squadron sports, because winning isn't the most important thing. For some it is about the love of the game and providing the opportunity for others to enjoy the game as well.

"One of the reasons I come out to play is to be a support for my team incase we do not have enough players for a team," said Dereck McLeland, 436th APS player. "This is one of the avenues to take a break from work and enjoy life, having fun - you gotta keep life fun."