Varsity and Victory--Whiteman's Soccer Team

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Rachel Davenport
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  On July 4, the Whiteman Varsity Soccer Team was on their way to Kansas City preparing to spend the holiday in a unique way. 

At the Kansas City Wizard's stadium, Whiteman's varsity team went head-to-head against a varsity Marine team composed of members stationed at the Richards-Gebaur Memorial Airport. 

"It was good to play against servicemembers that believe in the same thing as us: defending the United States," said Brooks Walters, member of the Whiteman Varsity Team. "It was a friendly, professional competition." 

The outcome of the Armed Forces Insurance Cup game was an overwhelming win for the team with a final score of 11-2. 

Whiteman's varsity coach, Todd Stewart, realizes that contributing to the team's win was the offense that took advantage of the scoring opportunities and gained 11 goals during the 90-minute game. 

"The offense communicated effectively among the strikers [Brian Harmon and Jayson Eddelman, Estiven Gonzalez, Aaron Young, and Brooks Walters]," said Stewart. "These guys displayed teamwork by exploiting the weaknesses of the Marine's defense and putting the ball in the back of the net." 

Only in its fourth month of play since initial tryouts, the team has already competed against three men's local college teams, been involved on a weekly basis with a U.S. Soccer Federation Division II league in Kansas City and fostered a relationship with the Kansas City Wizards professional soccer team. 

Because the 18 male and female members work all over Whiteman--from the Army National Guard and Active Duty servicemembers to civilian personnel--there have been a few challenges that come with this: deployments, exercises and TDYs to name a few. 

Despite these challenges, Stewart remains positive and knows that it is the love of the game that brings the team members to practice on a weekly basis. He plans to continue open practices on Mondays at Ike Skelton Park and Thursdays at the gym from 5-6:30 p.m. 

"Thank you to the wing leadership, the Fitness Center and all those involved in the program," said Stewart. "Their support has been key to the opportunities granted this team, and we look forward to competing in future matches."