Football game develops leaders at all levels

Published Sept. 12, 2013
By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The United States Air Force Academy football team travels to the campus of Boise State for a Mountain West conference matchup, Sept. 13, 2013.

The last time these two teams met, the BSU Broncos secured a 37 to 26 win against the AFA Falcons.

"This is an important game for our team because it's a Mountain West opponent as well as a big road matchup against a very good Boise State team," said Cadet 2nd Class Dylan Bungum, starting defensive end for the Falcons. "We're looking for our first conference win of the season."

Bungum, who is in his junior year, is sponsored by the 366th Fighter Wing.

"Sponsoring cadets develops a relationship between the future officer and the active-duty Air Force," said Lt. Col. Darryl Sumrall, 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander. "Not only are the cadets playing for the academy, they are simultaneously playing for and representing the Air Force."

Cadets wear the colors of their sponsor wing or squadrons during pregame activities and even hang them in their lockers during the game.

"The player and team know there are others watching and cheering for them," said Sumrall. "This instills pride both ways."

That sense of pride assists players throughout their military careers.

"I think the lessons learned on the football field directly correspond to my life outside it," said Bungum. "When I'm faced with adversity anywhere, I can think back on those experiences I overcame and know how to conduct myself in a similar manner to succeed."

Sponsoring cadets also assists Gunfighters in developing leaders at all levels throughout the combat Air Force.

"In my opinion, besides direct mentorship, no other sport teaches leadership lessons like football does," said Sumrall. "Teamwork, trust, pride, hard-work, sacrifice, perseverance, overcoming adversity, humility, dealing with pressure, decision-making, defeat, and victory - every part of life is presented to the players and team during a season."

These lessons along with the caliber of student-athletes coming to town Sept. 13 makes this game truly exciting for both players and fans.

"For the players, their immediate goal is to win games and championships," said Sumrall. "Their long-term goal is to become a leader in our United States Air Force."

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