Tinker mid-term sports report John E. Banks - Staff Writer
Tinker Rangers third baseman John Scherer stands in the batter’s box during an early season game against Team Cope. The Rangers have added a spark to Tinker’s sports season, which has been hit hard lately by Mother Nature. (Photo by John E. Banks)
The Tinker sports program for the first half of 2007 has seen major accomplishments, tremendous achievements and a huge impact by the weather.
Many individuals at Tinker have displayed their talents on the basketball court, soccer field, running track, softball diamond, golf course, boxing ring and fitness centers in support of Tinker’s sports program.
Mother Nature could be considered a major factor during the first six months of Tinker sports season; however, the staff at the all of the Tinker fitness centers has valiantly kept the sports alive and well. The weather has caused more than 30 soccer games and 50 to 75 softball games to be postponed, according to Ben Gibson, Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center director.
Basketball took center stage during the first few months of the year, as the court at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center came alive with talent from large squadrons, small squadrons and the over-30 crowd. The overall base champions were the squad from the 72nd Medical Group, while the small squadron champions were from the 654th CLSS.
One of the most anticipated sporting events of the first half of the Tinker sports season was the Boxing Smoker held at the Gerrity Fitness Center on May 9. Fourteen boxing matches were held in front of more than 850 spectators during the event. There were a total of seven matches between the U.S. Navy and Air Force, with the Air Force winning 4-3.
“This is a blast,” Steve Thomasson, Gerrity operations director, said of the boxing smoker. “A lot of these guys are head hunting out here. I am sure glad that we have the opportunity to have this event for our service members each and every year.
“This is so much fun to watch these guys battle. They are definitely swinging for the fences and everyone in attendance is having a great time, that is what this event is all about.”
As spring approached, the gentlemen of the soccer pitch and softball diamonds took center stage. The soccer squad from United FC took the base championship honors. They defeated the 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron in the championship match. Their season was impacted heavily by the rain, so it took its toll on the individual players and teams.
The softball season got underway during May Fitness Month. However, due to excessive rain, the staff at the Gerrity Fitness Center chose to cancel the preseason tournament after one night of play.
“This is extremely disappointing for our staff and the players who geared up to play in this preseason tournament,” said Pat Griffin, Gerrity sports director.
The Tinker Rangers have been a key ingredient in the sports program the first half of 2007. The team, comprised of active duty members and Department of Defense civilians, has a season record of 5-3 and is currently in fourth place in the American Division of the National Adult Baseball Association.
“This year’s team is a lot younger than in years past, but our mainstays of Christopher Brooks, Richard Skidmore, Caleb Cosmi and Bill Nystrom have enabled us to play well and provided excellent leadership on the baseball diamond,” said Stephen Escalante, head coach and outfielder for the Rangers.
For complete team information, including team and individual statistics, league standings, schedule of upcoming games and the history of the Tinker Rangers, visit their Web site at http://www.leaguelineup.com/tinker.
As the summer months continue and the competition heats up on the softball diamond, volleyball court, flag football field and a number of other venues, many great performances by Tinker sports men and women are yet to be seen.
