Vance instructor pilot selected for Air Force rugby team -- again Published Aug. 9, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- An instructor pilot with the 8th Flying Training Squadron was selected for the Air Force Rugby team and will compete in the International Defense Sevens Rugby Tournament Aug. 18 and 19 in Glendale, Colo. Capt. John Lockard has been playing rugby since 2002 when he picked up the game during his time at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. "I played football at the Academy for a year but it just wasn't working out," said Lockard. He began his pursuit of rugby in 2002 when his friends at the academy suggested he try it instead of football. Lockard graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2005 and the next year, while attending pilot training with Class 07-12 at Vance, he was selected to play on the Air Force Rugby team. "I like to represent my squadron and the Air Force, and I think it reflects well on commanders to have their people participate in events like this," said Lockard, a native of Phoenix, Ariz. "I really enjoy the camaraderie between my teammates and how we can look beyond rank when we play together," he said. The Air Force Rugby team has won the last seven Armed Forces tournaments. Lockard participated in six of those wins. "The tournament this year should be cool because it's international," he said. Though he enjoys the sport, Lockard feels he should start playing more for recreation and less for competition. "I'm 30 now so I think I have to pass the torch to the younger guys," said Lockard. "Every year I come back from the Armed Forces tournament just a little more sore, just a little longer." The rugby tournament in Glendale this year will introduce seven-man teams as the official format for Armed Forces rugby in 2012. The switch from 15-man teams will align the Armed Forces Sports Program with the 2016 Olympics, which will feature the sevens-style of play.