U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Air Force Academy football team concluded its spring season April 9 by connecting with the local community and hosting its annual spring game at Fountain-Fort Carson High School.
The team scrimmaged for about an hour in a offense versus defense football game and athletes from Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force base competed in a flag football game. The Academy athletes also hosted a youth autograph session where Air Force cheerleaders and the Bird mascot met scores of young fans.
Air Force's honorary head coach was Gen. John Hyten, commander of Air Force Space Command, with assistance from Col. Anthony Mastalir, vice-commander of the 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, and Col. Doug Schiess, commander of the 21st Space Wing, at Peterson AFB. The other team was led by Maj. Gen. Ryan Gonsalves, commander of Fort Carson Army Base, and members of his staff.
The teams took part in a ceremonial coin toss before the game, along with Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, Academy Athletic Director Jim Knowlton, and Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun.
“It great to get folks who may have never seen a Falcons game to come out, support and get exposed to our cadet-athletes," Knowlton said. "Hopefully they'll come back and see the team play in the fall at the Academy. One of our priorities is to connect with the community. We want to talk to our fans all over the community and this type of event is one way to get out there."
Knowlton said Colorado Springs is a melting pot of military service.
"We're always working on ways to bring everyone together," he said. "We’re all on the same team, ultimately. This was a great opportunity to bring our athletes and leaders from Peterson, Schriever, Fort Carson and the Academy together to have fun and enjoy each other’s company."