Sky Broncos compete for fourth straight regional title

Contact: Deanne Puca
October 7, 2016
Photo of Cirrus SR-20.
Cirrus SR-20 aircraft (Photo credit: WMU College of Aviation)

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's precision flight team, the Sky Broncos, is traveling to Ohio this month for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Region III competition.

The 15-member team is competing in NIFA's Safety and Evaluation Conference, scheduled for this region at Bowling Green State University Sunday through Saturday, Oct. 9-15. Traveling with them is faculty advisor and Sky Bronco Head Coach Ryan Seiler.

Last year's team finished first at regionals to advance to the national competition where WMU aviators placed fifth, competing against teams from 25 colleges and universities around the country.

2016-17 Sky Broncos Team

  • Alex Austin, a junior from Mississauga, Ontario, studying aviation flight science
  • Brett Been, a freshman from Orland Park, Illinois, studying aviation flight science
  • Brian Erhart, a junior from Belmont, studying aerospace engineering
  • Devvyn Fader, a junior from Essexville, studying aviation maintenance technologies
  • Andrew Gabalski, a senior from Columbus, Ohio, studying aviation flight science
  • Sam Haveman, a freshman from Grand Rapids, studying aerospace engineering
  • Collin Kearney, a senior from Grosse Ile, studying aviation flight science
  • Wendell Kury, a senior from Commack, New York, studying aviation flight science
  • Joshua Neinhaus, a junior from Brighton, studying aviation flight science
  • Mack Odell, a senior from Zeeland, studying aviation flight science
  • Luke Ostrom, a senior from Orland Park, Illinois, studying aviation flight science
  • Lauren Quandt, a junior from Grosse Ile, studying aviation fight science
  • James Ray II, a freshman from Davison, studying aviation flight science
  • Mathew Smith, a senior from Sand Lake, studying aviation flight science
  • John Vanderlaan, a senior from Spring Lake, studying aviation flight science

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