Vance Air Force base brings Enid some high-quality people from all over the country. OBA athletics is benefiting significantly from Vance pilot’s wife’s skills and experience. Dr. Wilkins says, “While OBA is fortunate to have a godly and successful coaching staff, we are almost all male. Hiring female coaches for our young ladies has been a challenge. We’ve prayed and God has provided through the American Air Force stationing processes.”
Coach Roth was able to add two highly qualified volleyball coaches as an assistant varsity and middle school head coach. Varsity assistant Ryann Morton played college volleyball and majored in Biblical studies at Hannibal-LeGrange University in Missouri. The players enjoyed connecting with Coach Morton when she substituted in bible class. The players appreciate that her correction is so knowledgeable, focused and direct, but also patient and understanding.
Coach Margaret Lindroth played DI college volleyball at Miami University (Ohio) and really advanced and excited our Middle school girls in volleyball development. Her husband finished pilot training and remained at Vance as a first assignment instructor pilot. The volleyball girls embrace the opportunity to learn advanced techniques and skills from her individualized attention.
Coach Roth says “These two women have really stepped and filled a gap for our volleyball program. Their ability to connect with the young ladies on the team has made our program stronger. Their volleyball knowledge is almost secondary to the mentorship they are providing.” The last two years OBA volleyball benefited from OBA alum and NAIA All-American Kendra Kroeker before graduating pilot training and being stationed at Travis AFB in Northern California
High school fastpitch softball coach Jay Mendenhall was able to add assistant coach Kinsey Chambers who played and coached at the University of Tennessee. Coach Chambers has three in-laws who graduated from OBA as well as a current brother-in-law attending. The softball girls’ faces lit up with joy when asked what they appreciate about her. The girls reflected, “She is competitive and serious, and pushes to get the best out of us but also nice, encouraging and so helpful to all of us no matter the skill level. Being a female closer to our age she gets us hype and helps us navigate the interrelation dynamics of the team.
Running Hall of Fame coach Jim Coleman, Alan Ford, and Scott Hofen added Coach Laynie Adcock for cross country and track sports. Coach Adcock grew up in Arkansas in the lineage of hall of fame running coaches and competed herself in the heptathlon at Division II Ouachita Baptist University. The OBA runners said, “She relates to us as a mentor as well as a coach.” The track coaches are excited for the spring as Coach Adcock will be able to coach up a lot of track athletes in the distances and in the field events.
All four of these Vance pilot wives bring a desire to use their sports to develop the young lady’s Christian character. Their own personal Christian faith life is contagious and an influential example for our students particularly our young ladies. Coach Cayot says, “We are beyond blessed with the current coaching additions that the Air Force has brought our way. These ladies are competitive, they work hard, and they bring an awesome female Christian perspective to all of our athletes. While they are not here as a forever job, God has allowed OBA to borrow their invaluable knowledge and influence for a time.” Vance personnel add significant value to the Enid community and OBA is delighted to benefit from the Vance spouse’s presence as well!
