5/8/97 Contact: Elaine McCoy, Aviation Department, 614-597-2626
ATHENS, Ohio -- The Ohio University Precision Flight Team captured two national titles, placed ninth overall and finished in the top 10 in several individual categories in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference held April 29-May 3 at Western Michigan University in Battle Creek, Mich.
Brad Thompson, a flight instructor in Ohio University's Aviation Department and faculty advisor for the flight team, was named "Coach of the Year" at the competition, an honor awarded by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association Council.
"It's a great honor to receive such an award," Thompson said. "There are many notable teams, but Ohio University came shining through. I attribute the success to the dedicated students and assistant coaches, and to the support of the Aviation Department."
The team also captured the Leoning Trophy, awarded by Delta Air Lines for the team's "outstanding competition performance, air safety and active participation in aviation and the team's local community."
"I am very proud of all of the students who have spent so many months preparing for this event," said Elaine McCoy, chair of the Aviation Department. "Their professionalism and teamwork represent Ohio University well. Brad is an outstanding leader who has inspired our flight team to achieve national recognition in three short years of effort."
Several team members also placed in the top 10 in individual categories. Joseph Gascoyne, flight team captain, placed second in preflight, sixth in computer accuracy, tenth in flight simulator; Dale Kearns, also a flight team captain, placed eighth in preflight; Evans Boeve placed eighth in shortfield landing and tenth in power off landing; and Frank Koenig Jr. placed third in power off landing.
Other team members who participated in the team's top 10 finish included Bart Gray, Matt Tylka, Joanne Stepic, Dan Evans, Dave Noall, Tom Kurtz, Don Riffle and Scott Forshey. Team coaches include Brad Thompson, head coach and Amy VanHorn, assistant head coach. Other coaches are Liz France, Dave Moore, Randy Johnson, Doug Stout, Mike Guenthner, Tom Fuhrman and Rob Bullington.
The flight team was among 30 teams from around the country to participate in the competition, and it was the first from Ohio University to compete in nationals in 33 years.