WMU News

Sky Broncos capture national flying championship

May 10, 1998

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's Sky Broncos captured first place at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association championship held May 5-9 at Kansas State University at Salina.

The 13-member Sky Broncos team won the national title, its first since 1983, by beating 27 teams from around the nation, including the second place team from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Prescott, Ariz., and the third place University of North Dakota. The win came after six consecutive years of top three finishes by the Sky Broncos at the annual event.

A strong showing in the four flight events was the key to the victory after team members placed second overall in the competition's five ground events, according to Joseph H. Dunlap, director of WMU's School of Aviation Sciences. Team points are earned by competitors who place in the top 10 in each of the nine events. While ground competition was very close, Dunlap says the flight events put WMU in first place by a wide point spread.

"We did extremely well in the flying events," Dunlap says, "but overall, this was about a team that worked very hard. They gave everything they had in every event and lived up to their potential."

Leading the Sky Broncos in their victory performance was Jennifer Richard, a senior from Caledonia, Mich. Richard was named the nation's top college pilot in the individual standings and also earned top female pilot honors. She placed second in two of the four flying events and won one of the ground events. This is the second consecutive year that a Sky Bronco has captured the top pilot award at the NIFA championship.

The team also earned this year's judges' trophy, which goes to the team with the most overall points in the competition. Dunlap says that award shows the depth and strength of this year's team because it is based on the performance of all the competitors -- not just those who place in the top 10.

The win caps an academic year full of success for WMU's School of Aviation Sciences. The school moved to new facilities at Battle Creek's W.K. Kellogg Airport in September and also launched its International Pilot Training Centre. International contracts with British Airways and Aer Lingus were announced over the winter and in March, British Airways brought its first group of cadets to WMU aboard a supersonic Concorde, a visit that attracted national attention.

"All along we've said the bottom line for our program is quality," Dunlap says. "This win on the American side, along with all the successes of the past year, speaks to that goal and it brings great credit to the University and to the program."

This year's Sky Broncos team was coached by Mark A. Serbenski, supervisor of aviation operations at WMU. Ryan Seiler is the assistant coach.

Media advisory: Joseph H. Dunlap, director of WMU's School of Aviation Sciences, will be available by phone from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday, May 11, at (616) 387-4707. Sky Broncos coach Mark A. Serbenski also can be reached on Monday at (616) 964-4447. For additional information, contact Cheryl Roland in the Office of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications at (616) 387-8412.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland; cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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Members of the aviation championship team

Information about the 13 WMU students who are members of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association 1998 championship team is listed below. Students are listed in alphabetical order by name.

Jesse A. Coeling, Hudsonville, Mich., who graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1995, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Wendy and Thomas Coeling of 4888 Barry St.

Pat Denney, Athens, Mich.,who graduated from Factoryville Christian High School in 1992, was awarded a degree in aviation flight science from WMU on April 25. He is the son of Darlene and Pete Denney of 1086 M-60. Denney placed fourth in navigation, fifth in aircraft recognition and ninth in short field precision landings.

Bob Eddy, Clinton Twp., Mich., who graduated from Chippewa Valley High School in 1993, was awarded a degree in aviation flight science from WMU on April 25. He is the son of Anne and Bob Eddy of 21030 N. Miles. Eddy placed first in computer accuracy.

Eric Johnson, battle Creek, Mich.,who graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1995, is a junior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Carol and Tom Johnson of 208 Garrison Ave.

Gregory Killeen, West Islip, N.Y., who graduated from West Islip High School in 1993, was awarded a degree in aviation flight science from WMU on April 25. He is the son of Sarah and Joseph Killeen, 687 Evondell Ave. Killeen placed fourth in short field precision landings.

Nicole D. Neibert, Farmington Hills, Mich., who graduated from Walled Lake Western High School in 1994, was awarded a degree in aviation flight science from WMU on April 25. She is the daughter of Candace and Jerry Neibert of 37535 Emerald Forest Drive.

Jay Orwin, Carleton, Mich., who graduated from Airport High School in Carleton in 1996, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Ann and Jim Orwin of 266 Ready Road. Orwin placed fifth in short field precision landings and fifth in navigation.

Kelly Patterson, Ypsilanti, Mich., who graduated from Lincoln High School in 1992, is a senior majoring in aviation flight science. She is the daughter of Linda Jakubus of 5362 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti, and Darry Patterson of Kissimmee, Fla.

Jennifer Richard, Calendonia, Mich.,who graduated from Caledonia High School in 1993, is a senior majoring in both aviation maintenance technology and aviation technology and operations (professional pilot option). She is the daughter of Mary and Ric Richard of 4526 E. Shore Drive. In addition to being named the nation's top college pilot, Richard placed first in pre-flight inspection, second in message drop, second in power-off landings, seventh in computer accuracy, ninth in simulated comprehensive aircraft navigation and 10th in navigation.

Greg VanderWell, Grand Rapids, Mich., who graduated from Fruitport High School in 1988, is a senior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Claudia and Warren VanderWell of 1147 Kinney St. VanderWell placed third in the flight simulator event.

Kevin Wiig, Auburn, Ala., who graduated from Auburn High School in 1995, is a junior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Ann and Ken Wiig of 901 Boddie Lane. Wiig placed first in the flight simulator event.

Matthew White, Temperance, Mich., who graduated from Bedford Senior High School in 1996, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Sandy and Jon White, 1745 Stoneybrook.

Aaron Wood, Jenison, Mich., who graduated from Jenison High School in 1995, is a junior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Mary and Marvin Wood of 2756 Lark. Wood placed ninth in aircraft recognition.

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