Men's over-30 basketball team takes title 6th time in 8 years

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Wolf
  • 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The 442nd Fighter Wing over-30 men's basketball team won the championship title for the second year in a row Feb. 16.

With a season record of 6-7, it looked like the 442nd wasn't going to continue holding the record as the basketball champions.
"It was tough to not have all the players there all the time," Kelly Askew said. "Plus, we are getting older now; most of us could probably even play in an over-40 league, really."

Due to mission requirements and temporary duties, the team struggled to have the majority of its players, including Askew, at many of the games.

"We didn't have all our players at first, but it was definitely easier at the end of the season when more people were able to make it," Carl Clark said. "We have played for eight or nine years with pretty much the same players; we know each other well by now, which helps."

With a swift lead throughout the championship game however, the 442nd defeated the 509th Civil Engineers Squadron 52-31.

Beginning with a 5-point lead in the second quarter, Kelly Askew and Mark Ernewein assisted in several turnovers, which led to successful shots, keeping the 442nd several points ahead throughout the game.

"Even though I was out most of the season, once I got on the court with Ernewein, it was like we never even missed each other," Askew said.

He was right. Less than three minutes into the second quarter the 442nd had taken the lead 21-8.

By half-time the team had secured a comfortable lead.

"Everybody stepped up and played way above their potential," Askew said.

Despite the season record, the team clearly has respect in each other's abilities, frequently attributing a win to fellow teammates.

"(Askew) and (Ernewein) are really good together," Clark said. "But you put anybody with (Askew) and they play a lot better."

Askew on the other hand, attributed much of the team's success to his fellow teammates.

"(Preston McConnell) for me, was a big plus," Askew said. He's a good ball player who makes the game easier for everybody. The most valuable player for me this season was Keith Yersak. He amazed me this season. He makes the rest of the team play better and he's a beast at the boards," Askew said, referring to the frequent rebounds contributed by Yersak.

Not only did the season instill a respect for each player's athleticism, but also built new friendships and enforced existing ones.

"We know each other pretty well now, because we also play (other seasonal sports) together," Clark said. "When you say, 'Hi' to a teammate, he's your friend, not just another coworker."

For Askew, a flight line maintainer, interaction with other Airmen throughout the wing can be minimal due to heavy mission requirements and demanding work schedules.

"It's neat to play with people from other shops, you normally wouldn't work with," he said. "Plus, winning builds morale among you."

While this team has a strong history and an equally as strong championship record, they are always looking for new players to share their success with.

"We welcome everybody," Askew said. "I'll recruit anybody over 30 to play."

Clark added that traditional reservists who may live in the area are also welcome to join the team.

Fighter Wing Sports Coordinator Vernessa Stoudemire said that while basketball may be over for the year, there are other upcoming sports Airmen can get involved with on base. Although the 442nd FW will not have a volleyball team this year, members can register to join other teams at the Whiteman Fitness Center. Volleyball season is March through May. Following volleyball, softball season will begin June through August.