Trump presents CINC Trophy to USAFA

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jannelle McRae
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The U.S. Air Force Academy football team received the Commander in Chief’s Trophy from President Donald Trump during a visit to the White House on May 2, 2017.

The trophy is awarded to the winner of the annual service academies’ football triangular series between the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy. The three-sided, 170 pound, two-and-a-half-feet tall trophy was first awarded by President Richard Nixon in 1972.

The Air Force Falcons claimed the award for a record-setting 20th time, following a 31-12 victory against the Army Black Knights in November 2016.

“It is a great privilege for me for the first time to present you the Commander in Chief’s Trophy,” said President Donald Trump. “As the United States Air Force celebrates its 70th birthday this year, this trophy will serve as a point of pride when the Academy’s cadets graduate and (for) all of the members past and present of the United States Air Force.”

During the ceremony, team captains Jacobi Owens and Weston Steelhammer presented the president with his own Falcons jersey and helmet.

“I am honored I was a part of the team that could win the trophy for the 20th time,” Owens said.

Their accomplishments on the field are not the only highlight for the cadets this spring.

“We are so proud that in only three weeks, under (the president’s) command they will become commissioned 2nd lieutenants in our United States Air Force,” said Calhoun. “What they will bring is courage, integrity and boldness.”

The Air Force Academy graduates approximately 800 – 1,000 cadets each year.

“Whenever an Air Force crew flies you’ll always find a powerful symbol of American strength and American prestige,” Trump said. “I know that each and every one of you will continue to make your country proud.”