Air Force competes in Armed Forces softball championships Published Sept. 18, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Steve Grever Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Air Force is fielding two teams to compete in the Armed Forces Men's and Women's Slow-Pitch Softball Championships Sept. 19-25 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The Air Force women's team earned top honors in the 2007 and 2008 Armed Forces Women's Softball Championships and looks to win their third title in three years. The men's team took second place last year with a 6-3 record during tournament play. This year, the Air Force women's team is 8-3 in regular games and tournament play. Cheryl Trapnell, women's team head coach, said there are many stand-out players on their team this year, but her two team captains Laurie Doughty and Karrie Warren keep their team firing on all cylinders. "We have a team that understands the importance of every player on and off the field," said Coach Trapnell. "Laurie and Karrie ensure all team issues are addressed and their leadership is very important to the success of the team." Their ultimate goal is to bringing home a gold medal, but Coach Trapnell said their team also has other responsibilities than winning on the field. "We also are ambassadors in the community - we are advocates for the military and the sports program," she said. "This team is out in the community representing the Air Force, which is a great recruiting tool and morale builder." Coach Trapnell said the benefits of having Air Force sports programs can be seen in the community as well as at military bases where they compete against other DoD teams. "Young men and women see this program in action and hear about military jobs, opportunities, and you would not believe the interest that is generated," said Coach Trapnell. "The interaction with the other services also builds camaraderie between the branches. This is the total force concept in action." Being a part of one of the Air Force's premier sports teams is a humbling experience for some, and Coach Trapnell believes that all her players share those feelings of pride and belong as a member of the Air Force women's softball team. "This is one of the greatest programs in the Air Force," she said. "Bringing these women together and allowing them to compete and represent the greatest force in the nation is what it's all about. Morale is high and they all know it is an honor and a privilege to be here." Air Force players selected to the 2009 Armed Forces Softball All-Star Team will remain at Naval Air Station Pensacola to participate in the Armed Forces Team Training Camp Sept. 25-30 to represent the Armed Forces at the 2009 Amateur Softball Association's National Championship Oct. 1-5 in Oklahoma City, Okla. The Air Force Sports Program is designed to allow active duty, National Guard and reserve Air Force personnel an opportunity to participate at the Air Force, Armed Forces, national and international sports events. For more information about the program, go online to http://www.usafsports.com. Here are this year's rosters for the Air Force men's and women's softball teams: Men's team roster Senior Airman Michael Melton, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Staff Sgt. Kevin Basinger, Peterson AFB, Colo. Staff Sgt. Christopher Bast, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Staff Sgt. Aaron Frederick, Fort Benning, Ga. Staff Sgt. Leonard Myers, Nellis AFB, Nev. Staff Sgt. Joshua Wiggs, Tyndall AFB, Fla. Tech. Sgt. Cody Hynes, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Tech. Sgt. Richard Mercer, Cannon AFB, N.M. Tech. Sgt. Zachariah Turissini, Tyndall AFB, Fla. Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Weaver, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. Master Sgt. Michael Horton, Tyndall AFB, Fla. Master Sgt. Chadd Malin, Kadena Air Base, Japan Master Sgt. Daniel Simpson, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Capt. William Mamourieh, Hurlburt Field, Fla. Chief Master Sgt. Randall Raper, Luke AFB, Ariz. (Assistant Coach) Stephen Shortland, Randolph AFB, Texas (Head Coach) Women's team roster Senior Airman Nicolette Newton, Charleston AFB, S.C. Senior Airman Jeana Whiteman, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Senior Airman Toni Epps, Robins AFB, Ga. Senior Airman Jennifer Taylor, Sembach AB, Germany Senior Airman Schameka White, Edwards AFB, Calif. Senior Airman Kimberly Luera, Spangdahlem AB, Germany Staff Sgt. Kristy Robinson, Eglin AFB, Fla. Staff Sgt. Michele Polachek, Altus AFB, Okla. Staff Sgt. Kelsey Love, Fort George G. Meade, Md. Staff Sgt. Lindsay Ciullo, Ramstein AB, Germany Staff Sgt. Katherine Braun, Offutt AFB, Neb. Staff Sgt. Jean Archambeau, Kunsan AB, South Korea Staff Sgt. Candace Dugo, Nellis AFB, Nev. Master Sgt. Laurie Doughty, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska Master Sgt. Karrie Warren, Tyndall AFB, Fla. Senior Airman Robert Hofmann, Hurlburt Field, Fla. (Assistant Coach) Cheryl Trapnell, Hurlburt Field, Fla. (Head coach)