WMU News

Sky Broncos capture seventh consecutive regional flying title

Oct. 25, 1999

KALAMAZOO-- Western Michigan University's Sky Broncos precision flight team captured its seventh consecutive regional flying title over the weekend and has qualified for competition in next spring's national championship event.

The 15-member Sky Broncos took first place in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Region III competition that concluded Oct. 23 at Ohio State University. The Sky Broncos edged out the host team by 13 points for the first-place slot, winning top honors in both ground and flight events. Ohio University placed third in the region.

The win qualifies the WMU team to compete at NIFA's May 16-20 national championship event which will be held in Grenada, Miss., with Delta State University acting as host team. The Sky Broncos team has finished in the top three in national competition for the past eight consecutive years. The team captured the national championship in 1998.

"The level of competition at regionals was high this year and it was one of the more exciting competitions we've ever had at that level," says Sky Broncos head coach Ryan Seiler. "Our students performed very well, and the team turned in a very balanced performance."

Leading the Sky Broncos in the competition were team co-captains Jay Orwin, a senior from Carelton, Mich., and Jesse A. Coeling, a senior from Hudsonville, Mich. Orwin took top pilot honors for the regional event, while Coeling came in third in the top pilot standings. Jeff Haney of Jackson, Mich., and Matthew White of Temperance, Mich., also made the top 10 list of pilots competing in Columbus.

NIFA regional and national competitions pit competing schools against each other in five ground events and four flying events. Team points are earned by competitors who place in the top 10 in each of the events. Other teams competing at the Region III event included Andrews University, the University of Cincinnati and Kent State University.

For more information about the competition, contact Seiler at (616) 964-9450.

Members of the 1999 Sky Broncos

Michael Cherry, Charlevoix, Mich., who graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1998, is a sophomore majoring in aviation science. He is the son of Gail and Eric Cherry of 7854 S. Dennis Road, Ellsworth. Cherry placed sixth in aircraft recognition.

Martin Coaker, Rockford, Mich., who graduated from Rockford High School in 1997, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Nancy and John Coaker of 2882 Riverwoods. Coaker placed seventh in aircraft recognition.

Jesse A. Coeling, Hudsonville, Mich., who graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1995, is a junior in aviation flight science. He is the son of Wendy and Thomas Coeling of 4888 Barry St. Coeling placed first in aircraft recognition, short field landings and navigation, ninth in power-off landings and third overall in top pilot standings.

Jeff Dougherty, Libertyville, Ill., who graduated from Libertyville High School in 1991, is a freshman majoring in aviation flight science.

Jess Dudley, Howell, Mich., who graduated from Howell High School in 1998, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Beti and Richard Dudley of 322 S. Center St. Dudley placed second in computer accuracy.

Jeff Haney, Jacksonville, Mich., who graduated from Columbia Central High School in Brooklyn in 1997, is a sophomore in aviation flight science. He is the son of Linda Haney of 9800 Gillette Road, Clarklake, and John Haney of 827 Phillips, Jackson. Haney placed third in preflight inspection, fourth in short field landings, sixth in the SCAN event, seventh in message drop and fifth overall in top pilot standings.

Ben Ilmer, Farmington Hills, Mich., who graduated from Harrison High School in 1999, is a freshman majoring in aviation science. He is the son of Connie and Steve Ilmer of 26344 Greythorne.

Jason McDowell, Willis, Mich., who graduated from Ypsilanti's Lincoln Consolidated High School in 1996, is a freshman majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Laurie McDowell and Glen Cutright of 8260 Judd. McDowell placed third in flight simulator and fourth in aircraft recognition.

Jay Orwin, Carleton, Mich.,who graduated from Airport High School in 1996, is a senior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Ann and James Orwin of 266 Ready Road. Orwin placed first in both aircraft recognition and the Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigator (SCAN) event, third in short field landings, fourth in both flight simulator and power-off landings, sixth in navigation, and first overall in top pilot standings.

Yves Pardieu, Glendale, Ariz., who graduated from the International Studies Academy in 1999, is a freshman majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Kim and Cisco Pardieu of 6944 W. Via Montoya Drive. Pardieu placed fifth in computer accuracy.

Ken Rosengren, Wappingers Falls, N.Y., who graduated from Roy C. Ketcham High School in 1997, is a junior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Diane Rosengren of 176 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, and Steve Rosengren of 2006 Long Cove, Round Rock, Texas. Rosengren placed third in the SCAN event.

Reese J. Swanson, Gilroy, Calif., who graduated from Gilroy High School in 1998, is a sophomore in aviation flight science. He is the son of Bonnie Banta of 550 Broadway St., Gilroy, and Jeff Swanson of 4047 Woodland Creek Drive #202, Kentwood, Mich. Swanson placed second in message drop and ninth in the SCAN event.

Chris Westcott, Bloomfield Hills, Mich.,who graduated from Lahser High School in 1997, is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Mary Westcott of 2743 Plumbrook, Bloomfield, and Ron Westcott of 321 N. Marias, Clawson. Westcott placed fourth in computer accuracy and fifth in flight simulator.

Matthew White, Temperance, Mich., who graduated from Bedford High School in 1996, is a junior majoring in aviation flight science. He is the son of Sandy and Jon White of 1745 Stoneybrook. White placed fifth in both aircraft recognition and navigation, 10th in short field landings and 10th overall in top pilot rankings.

Dana Wolz, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science. She is the daughter of Donna and Dan Wolz of 3122 Woodsboro Drive. Wolz placed eight in computer accuracy.

Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu


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