COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University flight team took first place at the 2000 Region III Safety and Flight Conference (SAFECON) at Kent State University in Stow, Ohio. The 11 aviation students competing are the first team in seven years to take the title away from the Region III powerhouse team from Western Michigan University.

"I am very proud of their accomplishment and the time these students commit to better themselves in aviation," said Scott van Ooyen, head coach and captain at Southwest Airlines. "They are a very talented and well-trained squad of aviation majors. I'm sure the team will fare well at the national championships."

The Ohio State team won seven of nine flight and ground events. The team also was awarded the Region III Safety Award based on the it's safety procedures and initiatives to promote safety in aviation.

Also participating in the weeklong competition were Ohio University, Kent State, Western Michigan University and the University of Cincinnati. Ohio State and Western Michigan will advance to SAFECON's nationals at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, N.D.

Ohio State's team captain Tim Cross captured the Region III Top Pilot Award and fellow captain Jeff Lichtenberg and team member Kurt Ruen tied for third in the top pilot rankings.

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(LO)