Video courtesy of the White House http://www.whitehouse.gov/ photos-and-video/video/2011/04/18/2011-commander-chief-trophy- presentation WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama has congratulated the Air Force Academy football team for winning the Commander-in-Chief trophy, noting that they'll be taking it home to Colorado Springs for the first time in eight years.
Considering the ramifications of the play, which included short- term memory problems and the eventual end to his football career, it's surprising how Steve Shaffer remembers every detail. During Air Force's spring game in 2008, Shaffer, a tight end, was split out in the slot on the right side and ran a post route to the middle. Shea Smith was the quarterback, and he threw a little high and a little behind Shaffer, leaving him vulnerable. Linebacker Brandon Reeves, defending the play, hit Shaffer in the right temple.
CALHOUN Air Force does not have a special teams coordinator. But don't misconstrue that for a lack of concern about the kicking game.
I was talking with Air Force athletic director Hans Mueh about the football program and mentioned the team has enjoyed remarkable success in the past four seasons. I also mentioned this success has been remarkably repetitive. Air Force has won either eight or nine games the past four seasons. The Falcons finished fourth in the Mountain West three times in four years.
There isn't much relaxing at Air Force football practice. There's no time for that. Troy Calhoun's practices run at a very fast pace. There's almost never a huddle, on offense or defense. There are almost always two scout teams alternating plays. While one scout team is running a play against the starters, the other is looking at a play card, getting ready to run on as soon as the play is over.
Players like Wesley Cobb and Mike DeWitt are mostly unknowns to Air Force football fans, but that should change soon enough. Cobb and DeWitt are the favorites to start at fullback for Air Force. The Falcons' top two tailbacks combined for 231 yards, 1,069 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Those two, Jared Tew and Nathan Walker (along with third fullback Ryan Southworth) are out of eligibility, but the position won't be any less important in the triple-option offense.
When he was being pushed around Air Force Academy by his football teammates in a wheelchair, Ken Lamendola understandably wondered if he would play linebacker for the Falcons again. He never made it back last season, but has gotten a second chance for a senior season. Lamendola has been granted a ninth semester for medical reasons, and will be able to play for the Falcons this fall.
Air Force Academy's cadets scattered across the country this week, but for the first time in a few years, the football team had to stay put. In Troy Calhoun's first four years, Thanksgiving coincided with an off week. This year, the Falcons play a couple of days after Thanksgiving, in a game that will decide if they will go to a bowl this season. Air Force needs to beat Colorado State on Saturday to become bowl eligible.
When the freshmen finally joined Air Force's football team a few days into training camp, those who watch the Falcons practice from the sideline every day had a similar reaction. The new guys are big. And athletic. They look good.
Air Force has refused to play the University of Colorado in football since 1974. Last Saturday, the academy saw an enticing reason to renew a once-promising rivalry: Empty seats.
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