The Falcons are coming, Sooner than you thought

  • Published
  • By Cadet Harriet Randolph and Cadet Megumi Voight
  • United States Air Force Acadamy
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla --  The United States Air Force Academy Falcons and Oklahoma University Sooners' football teams are competing September 18, combining friendly competition and a celebration of the Air Force's 63rd birthday.

The evening of September 17, Altus Air Force Base is hosting a kick-off cookout for the weekend's festivities open to ID card holders, free of charge. The cookout includes a performance by the Air Force Academy's Drum and Bugle Corps, other live entertainment, as well as food and beverage.

"The idea is for Altus to hold this event because the state of Oklahoma is home to many military members. Oklahoma University is making September 18th its military appreciation day, and Altus AFB will be welcoming returning troops home from deployment," said Maj. John Wahrmund, commander's action group chief, 97th Air Mobility Wing.

For the game in Norman, Okla., the Air Force Academy is sending approximately 400 cadets to Altus AFB via C-17Globemaster and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft on September 17. Cadets will be staying with local families and will be bused from Altus AFB to Oklahoma University the following morning. There will be a tailgate party before the game and refreshments after the game.

Sooner fan Lisa Holland, deputy chief of Public Affairs at Altus AFB, is getting excited for the upcoming match-up. "I am anxious to see how the new [Oklahoma University] line-up pans out," she said.

"It is a big game for us, but it is just like any other game. We are not going to do things differently when it comes to preparing for that one game. You can't go undefeated without winning one game at a time. Yes, we will be pumped for the game in Norman, Okla., but we will get pumped for that game starting September 12," said Air Force Falcons' quarterback Tim Jefferson.

"It will be fun regardless of what happens," said Airman 1st Class Myles Stepp, who is torn between the two teams.

"It is a big game. This match-up gives us an opportunity to play a top 25 team. It will be a fun game to watch and definitely, a fun game to play in," said Air Force Falcons' running back Asher Clark.

The Oklahoma University and United States Air Force Academy football game is just around the corner. Tickets cost approximately $80. If you would like to attend the game, the Air Force Academy's box office can be contacted, 1-800-666-USAF. For more information, please contact Altus AFB Public Affairs office, (580) 481-7700.