The Falcon Quarterback Club of Denver had its 50th opening day Thursday in anticipation of the upcoming Air Force football season.
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun was there to add a presence to the club’s first luncheon meeting of the season at Valley Country Club. He told the audience his players appreciated the club’s support, including an annual award to the football team’s MVP.
It was a typical booster’s club meeting. But the Falcon Quarterback Club of Denver isn’t a typical booster club.
Club member Ted Beattie, who was honored Thursday for his 25 years of service on the club’s board, said the group supports the Falcons win or lose.
“Our club doesn’t rise or fall depending on the success of the team,” Beattie said. “We view the value of supporting the academy more than looking at the wins and losses.”
The club’s longevity allows it to stand alone. Denver-based quarterback clubs for the Broncos, Colorado Buffaloes and Colorado State Rams have come and gone.
“We’ve had quarterback clubs in Denver, but to my knowledge they haven’t sustained operation that long,” CSU associate athletic director Gary Ozzello said. “It’s a credit to their organizers. They’ve made sure their club has continued.”
Earl Clark, 92, a former member of the 10th Mountain Division, is the club’s longest-standing member. His service dates almost to the group’s 1961 beginning and Roger Dougherty, the club’s founder and first president.
“I was living in Denver, and when I heard of the Falcon Club, it seemed to be the logical next step for me,” Clark said. “I believe a high percentage of our members have a military background. It was appealing to me to support the Air Force Academy.”
E.C. Hoagland, 91, another longtime member, once added symbolic support by walking from his home in Littleton to Falcon Stadium.
Calhoun cited the academy’s roots in Denver as being a factor in sustaining a support club.
Before moving to its permanent location outside of Colorado Springs, the academy was based at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver. Its first sports events were played in facilities in Denver.
“There are strong ties between this club and the academy,” Calhoun said. “Denver’s a vital part of the academy’s heritage.”
Club members give the late Minetta Miller and her successor, Winnetta Mahaffey, credit for doing the administration work needed to keep the club functioning.
“The glue behind this club has been the executive assistance by Minetta Miller and Winnetta Mahaffey,” Weld County commissioner Sean Conway said. “We’ve had some great meetings after some great victories.”
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com
