Enforcers named intramural softball champs, prepare for next challenge

  • Published
  • By Neil Liles
  • 509th Security Forces Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Security Forces-A team recently won the intramural softball championship game, and will next head to the All World Sports East Coast Nationals/Military Worlds in Savannah, Ga., from Oct. 11 to 13.

The "Enforcers" from the 509th Security Forces Squadron ran through AMXS and avenged a regular- season loss against CE during this year's playoffs on the way to their final win of the 2013 intramural softball season. In their final contest, they defeated the 20th Reconnaissance Squadron team by a score of 21-4 during a game Aug. 28.

Throughout their 11-game season, the Enforcers out-scored opponents 206 to 98 and had an average of 20.6 runs per game.

"My favorite part of the season was seeing all of our hard work pay off and ultimately winning the base championship," said Daniel Comer, a patrolman with the 509th SFS and the team's shortstop. "I'm still new to the base and the guys I have played with this year really taught me a lot of great things about softball and adapting to the Air Force."

The only game that prevented the SF-A players from going undefeated was an early-season 16-6 loss against the talented Civil Engineering team. The Enforcers' chance for payback came during the playoffs, where they were victorious against CE in a 25-16 game.

"CE was definitely one of the best teams on base," said Comer. "I was on vacation during the first game against them, but when the rematch came around we were very excited to get the opportunity to go head-to-head with them again.

"When that game started, the tension was very high between us, but after the first few innings we got back to our game plan and increased our playing tempo," he added.

The Enforcers' winning season was directly attributable to their hard work and game-time strategy.

The most satisfying part of the season was seeing young baseball and softball players transform into a real team that worked together, not as individuals. From the start, SF-A's game plan focused on playing "small ball," and winning games by getting base hits and being aggressive on the bags.

In the championship game, SF-A defeated the 20th RS by a final score of 21-4.

The Enforcers have bolstered their roster by adding talent from the 20th RS and chaplain's corps as they prepare for the next level of competition. They have molded another cohesive team as they continue to participate in the Warrensburg Fall League, where they are currently 4-0, winning by scores of 17-15, 38-2, 19-8 and 21-6.

The team is developing their game plan for their next big challenge - competing at the All World Sports East Coast Nationals/Military Worlds in Savannah, Ga., from Oct. 11 to 13. They will match their will and determination against competition from across the Department of Defense. Members of units from Fort Irwin, Calif., all the way to those of the Maryland Air National Guard will be a part of the tournament.

"Worlds are going to be exciting. We are going to see some of the best teams from around the DOD," said Comer. "We are very competitive and are all very anxious to get to Georgia so we can put our talents to the test."

Best of luck the "Enforcers" travel and represent the 509th Bomb Wing in Georgia later this month.

This story was written with assistance from Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley from the 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office.