Top athlete awards presented by AFA head football coach

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Carolyn Viss
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Academy’s head football coach, Fisher DeBerry, was here April 27 to present top athlete awards on the football field, encourage fitness and athleticism, and raise morale around base.

Staff Sgt. James Wutz, an Airman Leadership School instructor from the 7th Mission Support Squadron, was awarded a certificate for being Dyess’ Outstanding Overall Athlete of the Year because of his avid participation in sports programs at Dyess.

“I never really saw myself as a big athlete, but I like sports and play as much as I can,” Sergeant Wutz said. “It’s pretty cool to win.”

He said he has always wanted to meet Coach DeBerry, since his goal had once been to play football at the Academy. His participation in base sports has included winning base and league championships in varsity softball, football and basketball.

Coach DeBerry spoke to Sergeant Wutz and other athletes during his visit.

“It’s an honor to be here to publically recognize your outstanding achievement,” Coach DeBerry said. “If you see a turtle sitting on a fence post, you can’t help but notice he didn’t get there by himself. It took a great deal of effort and help from others as well. You’re all here because you’ve put in a lot of effort and gotten help from those around you.”

He expressed how much pride he has in being part of the Air Force, helping to train the greatest fighters in the world. He emphasized the importance of being proud to wear the uniform and taking advantage of every opportunity to maintain fitness.

“None of us will ever get ‘old’ if we don’t allow our bodies to wear down,” the 68-year-old coach said. This was Coach DeBerry’s first time visiting Dyess. He said he was honored to be here and impressed with the leadership, operations and people.

“I appreciate your mission and everything your folks are doing for us,” he said. “You are why America is so great.”

The AFA football team has a tough schedule ahead of them, and they intend to return to dominance over Army and Navy, Coach DeBerry said.

Other overall athlete awards went to Master Sgt. Ricky Youngblood, 7th Bomb Wing, for the Top Over 30 Athlete Award; Master Sgt. Burton Diemert, 7th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, for the Top Sports Representative; and the 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, for Top Squadron Overall Achievement.