81st MDSS caps perfect season

Published Nov. 5, 2009
By Keesler Public Affairs
Keesler Public Affairs

KEESLER AFB, Miss -- The 81st Medical Support Squadron clinched the intramural football championship for 2009 by defeating the combined team from the 85th Engineering Installation Squadron-334th Training Squadron, 25-18, in the final game of the postseason tournament Oct. 28.
The 81st MDSS claimed a 9-0 regular season record and remaining unbeaten during postseason play in the American Football Conference bracket. The 81st MDSS squeaked past the 335th Training Squadron, 21-20, Oct. 26 and beat the 332nd TRS, 22-6, to maintain its unblemished standing.

The 85th EIS-334th TRS partnership this season led the team to tie with the 81st Security Forces Squadron at 9-1 for the top spot in the National Football Conference during the regular season. In the playoffs, the 85th EIS-334th TRS squad posted victories over Keesler's Marine Corps Detachment, 26-19, and 81st Medical Group, 27-12, to earn a shot at the championship.

The 81st MDSS's dominance all season wasn't surprising to player-coach Tony Hannah.
"The first thing we did this season was set a goal to become league champions and then base champions," said Hannah. "We already had talent, but this year we matured into a championship caliber team."

During the regular season, the 81st MDSS defense held strong, earning the team four shutouts. The medics finished the regular season outscoring their opponents 188-40, collectively.

"Throughout the season we concentrated on our defense," Hannah remarked. "We all knew that defense wins championships.

"An undefeated season is something to be proud of," he added. "Our 'shirt,' Ramoane Jordan, did a great job showing us how to have fun, stay young, and handle adversity the right way."

Intramural sports director Sam Miller thanked the league's teams for their "superior level of sportsmanship, competitiveness, and spirit exhibited throughout the playoffs as well as the regular season. They represented their units with honor and integrity."

Senior Airman David Salanitri and Susan Griggs contributed to this report.