News

Cops win all-night softball tourney

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Matthew Hubby
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  After the softball season drew to a close, the First Sergeants Council hosted an all-nighter softball tournament with the help of the Year of the Air Force Family Program. This tournament had one goal, bring the families in the wing closer together and build camaraderie and spirit de corps.

"This event was a great success," said Master Sgt. Eddie Vargas, 436th Communications Squadron first sergeant. "This event was about bringing families together and having fun, and it succeeded in that regard. It turned out really well, as softball is one of those games that is easy to bring your family out and watch. The games ran from 6 p.m. that night into 2 a.m. the next morning."

The decision to host the all night softball tournament was made after the First Sergeants Council were given feedback during the season that people would love to have an all night softball game, said Sergeant Vargas. The Year of the Air Force Family was able to provide the funds, and the council ran with it, he said.

"I would really like to try and set up another tournament in the spring," said Sergeant Vargas. "We have to procure the umpires for the game, and we had to run both fields for this tournament, so it took a bit of work to set up. We awarded T-shirts for the first and second place winners this year."

This year's softball season champions, 436th Maintenance Squadron returned to the field to take on all of their old rivals for the all-night softball tournament, including the 436th Security Forces Squadron whom they met in the finals, which was a rematch of the base championship.

It was also the fourth time that Maintenance and the Cops had met with a trophy on the line. The last three years, MXS has defeated the cops, for the base championship, including beating this year 16 - 6 for the base championship.

In fact, MXS was extremely confident heading into the all-night championship.

"We've been season champions three years in a row, this is ours to win," said Airman 1st Class Alex Brewer, 436th MXS. "I've got high hopes for the championship, we're going to play all the way to the end, and when we win I plan to celebrate tomorrow night."

But it was not meant to be, the fourth time was the charm for the Cops as they finally beat MXS 27 - 10 to win the all-night tourney going undefeated in the process.

"This win felt good and gave our team a bit of confidence," said Staff Sgt. Adam Fike, 436th SFS. "Three years in a row we've lost to them in the finals, but maybe this will give us a head start for next year since we know we can beat them. We had a lot of fun, and we weren't as nervous as we usually are during a championship, which I think helped. Who knows, maybe we'll bring the championship home next year."