A look back at the 2008 sports seasons

Published Dec. 17, 2008
By John E. Banks
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Each year the Tinker sports scene has produced plentiful highlights, spectacular team and individual accomplishments and sights and sounds that can be remembered for years to come.

The 2008 sports year in review can be put into a capsule by saying, "Where would you rather be than right here and right now."

In basketball season, small squadron champion The SHO put their names on the championship marquis with a sensational 68-61 victory over the large squadron champion 552nd Maintenance Squadron in the title tilt.

"This game was exciting from start to finish with each player giving 100 percent on the floor," said Pat Griffin, sports director at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center.

The outdoor soccer season was the most competitive of all sports at Tinker in 2008. The reigning champion was the 963rd Aircraft Air Control Squadron Golden Knights. This team conquered all comers and captured the base championship over the 965th AACS 5-0.

"This season we played well together and had players step up and play positions that may have not been comfortable with. This was truly a team effort," said Joseph Bowers, 963rd AACS captain.

Next on the sports calendar was softball. This sport historically has the most fan interest and most participation from individuals at Tinker. The 2008 season was marred by the effects of Mother Nature. A total of 85 games had to be cancelled or rescheduled due to the heavy downpour at the Tinker Sports Complex during the season.

"The weather played a major role," said Chris Gaines, assistant sports director. "We had to adjust, adapt and improvise to get the game played."

After the fields dried out, the powerful 552nd MXS team captured their eighth consecutive base softball crown with a 9-7 win over the Thumpers.

"This year's victory was more satisfying than in years past," said Mark Upchurch, 552nd MXS pitcher and captain. "We had to come out of the elimination bracket of the large squadron to defeat a very talented TACAMO II and then the championship game versus the Thumpers was the first time we did not run rule our opponent in the title game." The action on the volleyball court was hot and heavy as well. The Leapin Lizards captured their fourth consecutive base title after an impressive win over Team Busters.

"Our team was motivated this year and especially during the finals," said Patrick Steelman, Leapin Lizards head coach. "We had to beat the 72nd OSS to get our chance at the title and we played well offensively and defensively and that was the key to victory." The flag football season saw the most highlight reels plays of any sport at Tinker. On the gridiron, the small squadron champions, 327th Air Sustainment Wing, led by quarterback Mark Jansen, secured base bragging rights with a 21-14 victory over the 72nd Medical Group.

"Our team stuck with it and this was a total team victory for us," said Jansen. Some other notable accomplishments that were achieved at Tinker this year was the crowning of the Tinker Hawks as champions of the Oklahoma City Adult Hockey league. They overcame a long summer season and some adversity by winning the title game 6-5 over the Knights.

"This year we saw a decrease in the participation due to deployments and base exercises. The competitions were exciting and thrilling to watch and be part of," said Griffin. As we look forward to the 2009 season of sports at Tinker a guarantee of more highlights, more champions, and definitely more thrills and spills will be witnessed by all.