To 4 AF softball champs, it's all about winning

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Linda E. Welz
  • Fourth Air Force Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  Fourth Air Force earned the title 2008 March ARB Intramural Softball Champions, ending their season with a 24-18 victory over the Air Force Audit Agency in the championship game. 

Some of the 16-member team, consisting of 10 members from 4 AF, three 163rd Air Reconnaissance Wing members, and one member each from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing's Satellite Services office and Environmental Maintenance office, were on hand to receive their trophies during a brief ceremony at the base gym, Sept. 11.

"All the team members contributed to our successful season," said Senior Master Sgt. Al Rivera, coach and right center fielder. "Whether they played every game or not, the team's winning attitude and spirit were very cohesive." 

"Some players doubted their abilities at the beginning of the season, but they were all instrumental in the team's victories," he said. "Their motivation to support the team shows the character of the individuals." 

Lt. Col. Gevin Harrison, who played left field, helped motivate the team from the bench while on the injured player's list. 

During a game against the reigning champions, Lt. Col. Harrison collided head-on with a teammate while attempting to catch a ball. He lost four teeth and suffered a broken facial bone. 

"That was the game that had to be made up at the end of the season to determine who would be in the playoffs," Lt. Col. Harrison said. 

This year's team had some younger talent who helped with their speed on the field and around the bases. The new coach was very helpful and motivational, and players' attendance was more consistent than in years past, said Lt. Col. Harrison, who coached the team last year. 

"Last year we took an intramural approach, where everyone got a chance to play," he said. "It was all about having fun as much as anything else. We played like a little league team. 

"This year, he (SMSgt. Rivera) took the stance that we are going to have this team for the sake of winning. That is the right way to do it. If you're going to put together a team, and play within the rules, the purpose of that team should be to win. He came out to win games and put the very best 10 people on the field at any one time. The proof is in the pudding," he said. 

They've had come-back wins where they were down, but they never quit. They'd fight back, said Senior Master Sgt. Rivera. 

"Through our confidence and determination, we came out on the winning side," he said. "Beating the first-place team (452nd MOS) three times was a highlight. We lost some key players due to injuries, but those on the bench filled in and rose to the occasion." 

Other than winning the championship, the highlight of the season was watching a newcomer to 4 AF, like Senior Master Sgt. Rivera, step in without knowing all the personnel, and assemble and carry the team through his sure strength of will and motivation to a successful season, said Lt. Col. Harrison. 

Veteran 4 AF softball players got together and asked him to coach to bring new life to the team, Senior Master Sgt. Rivera said. 

"It's difficult to coach and play because you want to play everyone," said Senior Master Sgt. Rivera. "But when you are as competitive as I am, you don't want to lose the games. The most difficult obstacle during the season to overcome was not playing everyone and making time during my regular work schedule. But it's the winning that makes it all worthwhile."