Two Eielson youth compete for winter games, junior nationals

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Two young Icemen competed in late November at the Fairbanks Curling Club for the privilege to be a part of the team to represent Alaska and the United States in the March 2008 Arctic Winter Games, against countries around the world.

The Arctic Winter Games are a high-profile multi sport competition for northern and arctic athletes.

Ryan Flippo, son of Lt. Col. David Flippo, 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, won a spot on the team and will be competing in the junior men's league against teams from Northern Alberta, Northern Quebec, Nunavat, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Sami, Greenland and Yamal in Russia. Andrew Oliverio, son of Lt. Col. Eleanor Nazar-Smith, 354th Medical Operations Squadron commander was selected as the alternate for the team.

By definition, curling is a team sport played on ice with granite stones. Each team of four players each take turns sliding the stone down the ice toward it's' destination. Curling is said to have similarities to bowls and bocce.

Ryan, who practiced curling three nights a week in leagues to train for the event, said he has a good feeling about his curling abilities and is looking forward to the tournament.

"It feels good knowing that this is only my first year of curling and I get to compete in the Arctic Winter Games and Junior Men's Nationals," he said. "I'm going to enjoy the experience and hope that it'll make me a better curler."

The games provide an opportunity to strengthen sport development in the participants' jurisdictions, to promote the benefits of sport, to build partnerships, and to promote culture and values. They celebrate sport, social exchange and cultures and provide an opportunity for the developing athlete to compete in friendly competition while sharing cultural values from northern regions around the world.

"For first year curlers, Ryan and Andrew have both improved tremendously and are very competitive against juniors who have been curling a lot longer," said Coach Ron Birklid, Team Alaska. "It was exciting to see them compete and win spots on Team Alaska."

The curlers who will make up Team Alaska for both the men's Arctic Winter Games and Junior Nationals are Matt Birklid, Atticus Wallace, Oliver Halvarson, Ryan Flippo, coached by Ron Birklid; the women's Arctic Winter Games team is comprised of Vicky Persinger, Tina Persinger, Tressa Shuttleworth and Becca Gryder the Alaska women's Junior National team will be Kaye Hufman, Lacy Birklid, Vicki Persinger and Tina Persinger.

These teams will also represent Alaska in the U.S. Junior Nationals that will be held in Portage, Wisconsin in February.

"I think we will do really well," said Ryan, "we have a really good team and we practiced very hard for this, with our coach helping us improve our skills."

A Military Appreciation Day takes place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Fairbanks Curling Club. Two teams each from Eielson and Fort Wainwright will be competing in an Army/Air Force challenge match and there will be free lessons and food for all attendees who want to learn more about curling. It is recommended that you bring loose fitting pants and clean tennis shoes. The Fairbanks Curling Club is located next to the Carlson Center downtown.