Team Pete prepares for battle

Published Aug. 19, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Rose Gudex
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The first ever Tri-Wing Sports Challenge versus the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base and the 460th Space Wing at Buckley Air Force Base is scheduled to take place on Team Pete's home turf Aug. 27.

Airmen have the opportunity to sign up to play different sports competitively where teams are selected and practices are held to prepare for the competition. They can also sign up for the 5km run, or recreationally participate in bowling or golf if they are more interested in being a part of a team and boosting morale.

For the competitive teams, now is the time to prepare for battle. Senior Airman Karl Ahner, 21st Comptroller Squadron, has 15 years of volleyball experience under his belt as well as having led two championship teams. He said he enjoys seeing the improvement in his players.

"I love that word 'battle,'" Ahner said. "We have had time to practice. I hope we have many chances to play together and build a trust in each other. I want to instill a never-quit mentality, and remember the play doesn't have to be pretty to get the point. I hope we learn to pick each other up and make each other better."

The running team is training just as hard. Airman 1st Class Javier Ruiz II, 21st Space Wing Information Assurance, was named the coach for the team because he was a part of the winning team for the last two Wing Warfits.

"I'm only the coach because I organized it," Ruiz said. "But in every other aspect, I'm a team member. So the most exciting thing for me is to go out there and compete with all the other runners and at the end of the day, see how we match up."

The all-star team he put together has competed in triathlons, half marathons and full marathons. He said since the team is already comprised of such stellar athletes, he doesn't want them to deviate from what already works and break their rhythm.

"We're going to do very well," Ruiz said. "We're going to win. I have no doubt of that after seeing how well these people run. It's going to be exciting to see how we rank against the best runners the other two teams have to offer."

Peterson was chosen to host the inaugural Tri-Wing Sports Challenge due to its central location amongst the teams. Airmen are encouraged to show up in mass to show support for the competitors and their pride for the 21st Space Wing. Personnel who aren't part of a team that is competing are encouraged wear the brightest green, the 21 SW team color for the event, shirt they own and cheer on their fellow wingmen.

The best of all three wings will be presented a new traveling trophy by Maj. Gen. David Buck, Air Force Space Command Vice commander, and Team Pete is hungry to put their name on the trophy first.

"If they think they can come to our house and beat us," Ahner said "we will show them who controls outer space."

Soccer practice