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Defending his goal line and his country is what Senior Airman Jordan Gourley does by balancing his Air Force days and his nights practicing with the semi-pro Kaiserlautern Pikes American football team.
The Pittsburg native works in the munitions storage area on the far side of the runway at Ramstein.
***image1***Airman Gourley spent his time playing American football throughout prep school and high school. Being a highly recruited player from his hometown, he made a big decision to join the Air Force rather than pursue his football career.
The Airman first found out about the Pikes in an article in the KA that was written by a civilian looking for Americans to try out for the team.
“He is one of a handful of Americans allowed to play because of special rules,” said Master Sgt. Scott M. Windorf, 435th Munitions Squadron first sergeant.
“For servicemembers to play, they have to run the proper paperwork through their first shirt and the safety office,” said Airman Gourley. “Rules are set in place by the German Football League only permitting four Americans to be dressed for each game and only six are permitted to be on the roster.”
Americans are more familiar with the sport and have more experience, so the rule was put in place to allow more Germans to play. In the past, teams with more Americans on their rosters were dominant.
Currently, the roster of the Pikes is made up mainly of Germans and other Europeans. There are four active-duty Air Force players and two American civilians who play.
The 6’6,” 240-pound defensive end is capable of holding his own, but being able to juggle a marriage, work and a semi-professional football career can take its toll on anyone.
“It’s been pretty tough; my schedule has been pretty hectic,” said Airman Gourley. “I love sports, and I’m usually involved in the intra-mural sports programs offered on base. The body takes a bit of a beating, but so far it’s been a rewarding experience.
“My wife has been very supportive, even though it takes up much of my time,” he said. “I’ve been given a good chance to get closer to the German community, and I’ve met some guys on my team who have opened my eyes to the German way of life. I’m glad the Pikes have given me an opportunity to represent the city and to represent American football on the field.”
The Pikes have local home games that are played at the high school behind the soccer stadium in Kaiserlautern. For Americans who are homesick for American football, tickets are available for €3 at the gate. The next three home games of the Pikes are at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15 and Aug. 9.
