Tyndall Airman hits his goal

Published June 17, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A Team Tyndall Airman recently made the All-Air Force men's soccer team after being invited to try-outs in San Antonio, Texas.

The All-Air Force team received more than 100 submissions, but only 40 Airmen were selected to try-out. Senior Airman Cody Sullivan, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron central storage technician, was one of the elite to be selected.

"I felt extremely honored that I was able to try out for the team because it was one of my main goals this year," Sullivan said. "Ever since I found out about the program, I worked hard to get the chance to prove myself on the soccer field; and it paid off."

During try-outs, participants began doing drills at 5 a.m. They completed three sessions of training capped with a full 90 minute game at the end of the day.

"All of the training in such a little amount of time takes a toll on your body," said Sullivan. "After the third day, everyone felt as if they had been there for two weeks because of how tired our bodies were."

Sullivan experienced tough competition. By the third day there had to be cuts made to the team and no one was guaranteed a spot.

"Try-outs for the first three days were, in all honesty, grueling," said Sullivan. "The first cuts were made at the end of the third day so everyone knew that we had to show up as best as we could during try-outs to make sure we weren't let go."

At the end of the day, the opportunity for Sullivan was a good one. He was able to reconnect with old teammates from past soccer teams and do what he loves. He was also chosen to be a member of the team.
"Making the team and getting a decent amount of playing time were the two goals I set for myself at camp and I achieved them both," he said.

After making the team, Sullivan played in the All-Armed Forces tournament competing against the U.S. Marine, U.S. Navy and U.S. Army soccer teams.

According to the Armed Forces Sports website, the Air Force soccer team placed second during the Armed Forces Soccer Championship held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.

"Overall this is a great experience for any athlete wishing to compete on a different level than intramurals and base-level teams," Sullivan added. "I encourage anyone with a passion for a sport to apply for the program because it's an indescribable feeling being able to represent the Air Force. There are people with work constraints and deployments who would do anything to be able to participate, so for those of you that do have the opportunity be grateful for this amazing chance and know that you're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for everyone who can't be there as well."