2003 Athletes of the Year selected

The 86th Services Squadron Fitness Centers announced the six outstanding nominees for the 2003 Ramstein Athletes of the Year. Two local winners were chosen and forwarded for competition at the U.S. Air Forces in Europe level.
The 2003 Ramstein Athletes of the Year are Capt. Jill Metzger, USAFE Theater Air and Space Operations Center, deputy commander, executive office, and Special Agent Trent Hornus, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Detachment 515.
In addition to the local honor, Captain Metzger and Agent Hornus competed at the USAFE level and both were honored with the designation of USAFE Athlete of the Year. This is a testament to their athletic dedication and accomplishments.
“The selection process was tough as all candidates had great credentials and numerous athletic accomplishments,” said Steven Selvey, 86th Services Squadron fitness centers director.
Captain Metzger won the 2003 Air Force Marathon (female category) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. She was then selected to represent the United States in the NATO and European cross country championships and finished in sixth place.
Captain Metzger’s athletic skills include soccer. She was a key team member on the Ramstein women’s varsity soccer team that won the USAFE championships at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and was selected tournament MVP. Other accomplishments included a first place finish in northwest European mountain bike race in Schopp, Germany, and second place in the Dutch Triathlon at Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Theater Air and Space Operations Center Vice Commander Col. Michael Isherwood praised Metzger for her work and athletic accomplishments, “… She still juggles her schedule to meet arduous athletic training routines, represents the command in key Air Force and European athletic events, and serve as a mentor and leader in the community for athletic events.”
Mr. Hornus competed in the U.S. Military Road Cycling Championships in Pennsylvania, May 2003, garnering the runner up title. He was then selected to the United States Armed Forces Cycling team at the World Games, Catania, Italy.
Mr. Hornus also placed runner up at the U.S. Military Criterium Cycling Championships in May 2003 and was the highest placing U.S. Armed Forces Team member at the International Tour de Toona in July 2003. He competed in several local German cycling events placing high in each and was selected to race in the prestigious “Tour of Hessen” in Darmstadt, Germany.
Air Force Office of Special Investigations Commander Lt. Col. Bonnie Adkins recommended Hornus for the title.
“I am proud of his accomplishments and am confident that he will represent Ramstein well in this award competition.”
Other outstanding Athlete of the Year nominees for Ramstein were:
t Capt. Tracey Smith, 723rd Air Mobility Squadron, team captain for the women’s varsity volleyball teams that won USAFE, Air North, U.S. Army Europe and Armed Forces Championship tournaments this year. Captain Smith was also selected to compete in the CISM Military World Games.
t Staff Sgt. Christopher Spurling, 26th Information Operations Group, was a key member of the Ramstein varsity softball team that won both the USAFE and Final Four (Army vs. Air Force) championships. Sergeant Spurling was also involved as a volunteer with the 2003 Special Olympics.
t Airman 1st Class Nicole Howard, 86th Maintenance Operation Squadron, is a member of the Ramstein varsity softball team that won the USAFE and Final Four championships. Airman Howard coaches an intramural basketball team, and was the point guard for the number one Air Force basketball team in Germany.
t Tech. Sgt. Christopher Markey, 86th Dental Squadron, team captain of the Ramstein varsity softball team that won the USAFE Gold Medal championship. Selected as tournament MVP and a unanimous selection to USAFE’s all-star team, Sergeant Markey also participated in intramural football, basketball and golf.
“The common denominator for all of the nominees was active volunteerism outside of the workplace. Not only are they all outstanding athletes, but they also gave back to the KMC,” said Mr. Selvey.