In Colorado Springs, 130 new members of the Air Force Academy’s Class of ’84 had just begun their collective journeys as FALCON football players.

Second-year Head Coach – Ken Hatfield was looking for a “jump start” to transform a struggling program. The Falcons were exiting their independent status within the NCAA and entering into the Western Athletic Conference as its newest member.

The change would also bring a move away from a traditional look on the field and the introduction of the triple option “wishbone” attack under the highly energetic and quotable Offensive Coordinator – Fisher DeBerry. Close to a dozen freshmen were immediately thrust into action, and I was one of those fortunate “Doolies”.

The Class of ’84 would take their lumps in that first season as FALCONS (2-9-1), but would finish four years later with much to show for the effort;