Week of 12-18 July

This is your official Air Force Academy History Update for the Week of Jul 12th through the 18th — 

This week, back in 1960 — Colonel George Simler concludes his three-year term as the Academy’s second Director of Athletics.  Colonel Simler later conceived the idea of an annual competition between the Air Force, Army and Navy football teams, with the winner earning the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. 

…Also this week, back in 1990 — The Academy, in cooperation with the National Science Foundation, begins hosting an event focused on improving undergraduate physics instruction.  It was titled “Transforming Physics Content Using New Technologies: A Leadership Workshop.” 

…And, this week back in 2001 –– Beginning the third of his five space missions, Steven Lindsey, Class of ’82, serves as commander of mission STS-104 aboard the Space Shuttle orbiter Atlantis. 

…Finally, this week back in 2024 — Former cadet and Falcon baseball player Paul Skenes, Class of ‘24, is the starting National League pitcher for the Major League Baseball All-Star game in Arlington, Texas.  He was the first rookie starter since 1995, and his 11 games of major league experience marked the fewest games played for any player to ever make an All-Star team. 

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