The University of Akron Athletics
Men?s Basketball Visits Nellis Air Force Base
December 21 | Men's Basketball
The University of Akron men's basketball team, in town for the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic, took time to visit Nellis Air Force Base on Monday.
Major Andy Wistrcill, brother of Akron Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill, played host to the team for the afternoon. Maj. Wistrcill, an F-15 pilot stationed at Nellis with the 59th Test and Evaluation Squadron, presented the squad with a presentation about some of the training, characteristics and tactics of the United States Air Force.
"I think that it is really important for our guys to understand what these people do to protect our country and know the importance of their job," men's head coach Keith Dambrot said. "Also, it is an eye-opening experience to see the technology, up close, that our country utilizes to keep us safe."
As part of the tour, the student-athletes, coaches and travel staff learned about many of the aircraft stationed at the base, including the F-15, F-16 and F-22. Student-athletes also had the opportunity to view and try out the equipment used by American fighter pilots, including G-suits, helmets, parachute harnesses, survival gear and night-vision goggles.
"This was a good chance to show how teamwork, leadership and goals are accomplished in the Air Force," Maj. Wistrcill said. "In a sense, the Air Force and a basketball team are very similar. Both have leaders and teammates working towards a common goal and they have to work together to achieve them. Without teamwork, the Air Force and a basketball team will be very unsuccessful."
To conclude the tour, the Zips had the opportunity to learn about the rich tradition and history of the United State Air Force Thunderbird Air Demonstration Unit that calls Nellis AFB home.
The Zips will return to action tomorrow evening when they face off against the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans at 7:30 p.m. ET.
