SOSU Flight Team To Compete In National Competition
Press Release Date: 05-04-2006
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s 10–member Flight Team will leave Friday for the national SAFECON competition.
Adam Stiffler, NIFA SAFECON president, extended the invitation to SOSU’s precision flight team due to the group’s outstanding performance at the regional level. The May 8–11 competition will be held at the Ohio State University airport in Columbus, Ohio.
SAFECON (Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference) is sponsored by NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association).
Southeastern’s Flight Team qualified for the national competition for the second year in a row by placing 4th at the regional.
Kyle Thomas is the faculty advisor to SOSU’s Flight Team.
Thomas said, “The Flight Team would like to thank Dr. David Conway (Director of the Aviation Sciences Institute) for his tremendous support and dedication to the team.. Perhaps I am a little biased because I am fortunate enough to work with these young aviators. Regardless, it has been a great pleasure to associate with them. This small group continues to be a shining star for the Aviation Sciences Institute and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.”
Chris Ferguson, a senior from Grapevine, Texas, is the Flight Team Captain.
Adam Krafcheck, senior, Allen, Texas, and Zach Shuster, senior, Roanoke, Texas, are team co–captains. Secretary/Treasurer Jason Bulleit is a junior from Allen.
Other team members are: Charlie Ross, senior, Grapevine, Texas; Jesse Thune, junior, Dallas, Texas; James Lavender, junior, Seminole, Texas; Theresa Scalise, junior, Marlton, New Jersey; Paul Schad, freshman, Gainesville, Texas; and Steve Libick, freshman, Denton, Texas. Matt Wiloth, Albany, Texas, will not make the trip.
SOSU’s Flight Team will compete in several flying and ground events against such schools as the United States Air Force Academy, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Western Michigan University, the University of North Dakota, Purdue University, Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
Ferguson said, “Being able to compete in the national SAFECON competition is something the entire team looks forward to every year. It is a very prestigious honor that not many collegiate aviators get to take part in.
“This competition is a once–in–a–lifetime type of trip that I have fortunately experienced twice.
“The team could not have made it this far without the hard dedication of Kyle Thomas, our faculty advisor, and the support of the entire aviation department, including Dr. David Conway.
“I would also like to thank our very strong alumni association for their continued support and making everything a reality.”
Bottom row from left: Adam Krafcheck (Co–Captain), Charlie Ross, Jesse Thune, Jason Bulleit. Top row from left: Theresa Scalise, James Lavender, Matt Wiloth, Steve Libick, Chris Ferguson (Captain), Paul Schad, Zach Shuster (Co–Captain).