Intramural Softball

Kenneth Bancroft, 436th Security Forces Squadron player-coach, throws a softball to first base to turn a double play during an intramural softball game against the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th SFS defeated the 436th AMXS 8-7 and are still eligible to make the playoffs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Intramural Softball

Scott Hautanen, 436th Security Forces Squadron right fielder, watches from the dugout as his teammate, Rick Barker, 436th SFS assistant coach, hits a softball during an intramural softball game against the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th SFS scored three runs in the seventh inning, winning the game, 8-7. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Intramural Softball

Adam Paini, 436th Security Forces Squadron pitcher, sprints through first base after hitting a line drive during an intramural softball game against the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th SFS won their last regular season game 8-7, and remain in the running for the playoffs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Intramural Softball

Edward Laurie, 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron player-coach, rounds third base and sprints for home during an intramural softball game against the 436th Security Forces Squadron Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th SFS defeated the 436th AMXS, 8-7. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Intramural Softball

Patrick McGee, 436th Security Forces Squadron catcher, prepares to catch a wild pitch bare handed during an intramural softball game against the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th SFS won the rematch 8-7 after losing to the 436th AMXS 12-18 in their first meeting of the season. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Intramural Softball

Kenneth Bancroft, 436th Security Forces Squadron player-coach, watches a softball game between the 373d Training Squadron and the 436th Aerial Port Squadron ‘B’ team Aug. 3, 2015, at the softball field on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 373d TRS had to lose the game in order for the 436th SFS to have a chance at making the playoffs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class William Johnson)

Locking up a repeat: 436th SFS squeezes by 436th AMXS, playoff hopes still alive

Published Aug. 11, 2015
By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- This story is the fourth in a five-part series highlighting last year's intramural softball team's attempt to defend their title.

In order for the 436th Security Forces Squadron to make the playoffs, they faced some tough odds. But after the games on Aug. 3, 2015, they are one step closer to seeing the postseason.

First, the 436th SFS had to win their last game of the regular season against their biggest rivals, the 436th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and they did. Down by two runs at the bottom of the seventh inning, the 436th SFS batted around scoring three runs and won the game, 8-7.

"We started off slow but the morale picked up at the end and we played some good softball," said Kenneth Bancroft, 436th SFS player-coach. "It all came down to the last inning and I'm proud of how my team performed."

But it was not a time for celebration. The game immediately following their victory would be the second step in deciding their fate for a playoff spot.

"Now it's up to the 373d Training Squadron to lose their game," said Bancroft. "We just have to sit back and watch and see what happens."

Bancroft and other 436th SFS members clung to the fences and watched as the 3-9 436th Aerial Port Squadron 'B' team pulled off an upset and narrow victory against the fourth ranked 373d TRS 16-5, keeping the defender's playoff chances alive.

However the 436th SFS still needs to clear two more hurdles in order to make the playoffs and defend their championship. The 373d TRS must lose their final regular season game against the number one seed 436th Maintenance Squadron. Then, they must win a tie-breaking game against the 373d TRS for the fourth and final playoff spot in the American League.

Rick Barker, 436th SFS assistant coach, welcomes the opportunity of a tie-breaking game and said if they win; it will give them a clean slate going into the playoffs.

"The morale and cohesion is much better now than it was at the beginning of the year," said Barker. "Getting into the playoffs would erase everything that happened during the regular season. It gives us a fresh start and anything can happen."

Having your playoff chances rest in someone else's hands could add additional stress to the high number of rookie players on the team, however, for veteran players like Robert Medina, 436th SFS right center, the stress of a championship has been felt before.

"It is just like last year," said Medina, "Sometimes we would hit a bump or two and we get back up and push and fight, next thing you know we were winning the championship. It is going to be about perseverance from here on out."