Augusta Military Academy - Recall Yearbook (Fort Defiance, VA)

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Freshman Dave Bullington George Butera Charlie Creekmore Tony Epperson Spencer Griffin ENCRUSTATION. Hitting the snow with regularity, Val Vintilla seeks help from Major Charles Dillow in digging away the speed-slowing ice flakes. Snow Tumbles ‘Men interested in a snow day at Af- ton will be able to sign up after lunch.” When Col. Charles Savedge made the announcement, there was a stunned re- action. Since arrangements had to be made, the November bombshell pin- pointed January 13 for the big outing. Forty men were bewildered, never be- lieving it would happen. Weather added to the doubt. Warm days followed hot ones. Plans were set, even though Lt. Bruce Smith tried aerial acrobatics in a cave — alone, and managed to break a leg, literally. White flakes began to tumble from above on the 8th of January, not much but enough to make all plans “‘go.’’ The Blue Bomb was loaded even though all traces of snow in the Valley had disap- peared. Afton was aglow with ribbons of white, 90% man-made and 10% natural base. Giggles, laughter, manly kidding in the ski-hut mingled with odors of boots, skies, steaming coffee, and even emo- tions. A few men simply were reluctant to face the white ordeal and the frigid winds. Laced with mountain accents of old Virginia, speech patterns from Ward Northrup couldn’t hide his awe of the gentle slopes. But he was determined. Tom Galifaro and Rich McCaffrey con- quered the slope on the first try. One minor accident, a twisted ankle for Joel Wilks, didn’t dim the fun. ‘“Now I can’t wait til the ski weekend trip’ ... “Wait til I call Mom for more money.” ‘Why can’t we do this every weekend?” Forty men tumbled into bed, happy, tired, and praying that winter weather would cooperate and make the weekend trip a reality. SkiDay—31 O

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QUEASY, BUT DETERMINED to make the first trip up and then down safely, Tom Galifaro and Richard McCaffrey bump into the chair lift up Afton’s gentle slopes. SHAKY, not snow spattered yet, Ward Northrup steadies himself for the first time ever on skis. Afton, close to Walton’s mountain, uses artificial base. HOW DO YOU STOP THESE THINGS? Lars Steib tries new techniques for one used to the water variety. Line up men in the rear watch his fate before deciding on a trip upward. O 30—SkiDay

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“Bull, there can’t be a swimming team. Guys just won’t support it and no one will give up free time.” That ‘‘truism’’ was shot down. Rising to the surface after a three year time lapse, swimming became a reality when Lt. Bruce Smith stirred barracks ‘‘rats”’ into polywogs. Nervous when facing a challenge from the mermen and women of Massanutten, from the first gun, the AMA men began to rack up awards. Augusta swept a first in every event, except in the 400 year freestyle. Music to the ears — 74-15. Diving brothers, the Creekmores, salved the wounds of a defeat at the O 32—Swimming hands of SMA. Final lap tension poured adrenalin into Joe Garry's push for a first place win in the 50 yard free. Massanutten men and women were bitter over the first meet’s score. Score- wise, the Colonels made a spectacular comeback, but after Lt. Bruce Smith saw his team place 48 points on the board, the rest of the swimming put AMA on an ‘unofficial’ status. “Third in the State meet? I don’t be- lieve it.’’ Bill and Charlie Creekmore earned gold and silver medals in diving, and Joe Garry earned four ribbons. Chris Vetick and Manny Ayau added a ribbon each. FRONT FLIP AND LAYOUT. Charlie Creekmore adds points to AMA’s score during the SMA meet. His downward glance too soon failed to give him the top place.