Spring is time of renewal for Air Force quarterback

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Apr 22, 2000 by Meri-Jo Borzilleri

Keith Boyea's redemption won't be official until he takes his first varsity snap of the fall.

But today, his nightmare is over.

Boyea, banished from the varsity last season because of an Honor Code violation, is set to start as Air Force's blue team quarterback in today's annual Blue-Silver Game that caps spring football.

This spring, Boyea has relished every snap, every hit, every completion.

He's back, and it feels wonderful.

"It was a lot of fun," Boyea said. "It was hard for me last year playing on the scout team. When you take something for granted and have it taken away from you...".

Boyea, from George West, Texas, has come a long way from the freshman caught with a fake ID in a Denver bar last May. The academy's Honor Code pledge states that cadets, "will not lie, steal or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does."

He was placed in handcuffs. Almost got kicked out of the academy. But depending on the violation, underclassmen can be eligible for a second chance.

Boyea got it, but it meant being demoted to the scout team last fall. In spring football a year ago, he was neck-and-neck with Mike Thiessen for the backup quarterback spot behind Cale Bonds.

Thiessen earned that spot, and is the projected starter for the upcoming season. But Thiessen, a senior who plays center field for Air Force's baseball team, will miss the Blue-Silver Game because the Falcons are playing Brigham Young in baseball.

So, after an agonizing autumn spent in the scout-team shadows, it's finally Boyea's show today.

He has had a standout spring and will be Thiessen's backup this fall. Bryan Blew, who will be a sophomore next season, will lead the Silver team in today's scrimmage.

"Keith Boyea didn't really surprise me," said coach Fisher DeBerry, who knew what Boyea could do a year ago, when he ran for 98 yards and a touchdown in a spring scrimmage. "I thought he'd have a good spring."

Spring football was also cause for celebration because Boyea's probation ended March 13, two days early.

For Boyea, that meant an end to time-consuming special projects in addition to a cadet's regular heavy load of coursework. On his own time, Boyea had to write lengthy reports, relive his transgression to classmates in regular squadron briefings, meet with supervisors, write a daily journal, apologize to the team.

His return has been smooth. Sometimes teammates even rib him, calling Boyea "Six-pack." He's been taking it in stride since spring practice began April 4.

A solid 5-foot-10, 195 pounds, Boyea is a better runner than passer, which fits in the Falcons' triple-option offense. He'll be a durable backup to the 6-0, 195-pound Thiessen, whose arm has sharpened over the spring. Thiessen was the third-best rusher in the Mountain West Conference last season.

Boyea's varsity experience consists of two snaps against New Mexico his freshman year, but he's up to speed now.

Last season is behind him - a season where he wasn't even allowed to be on the sidelines during games.

He had to wear his military uniform and watch from the stands just like any academy cadet.

"The last real game I started? The freshman-prep school game in November of 1998," Boyea said. "Seems like a long time ago."

Today, Boyea's future as a Falcon starts anew. After a season in football purgatory, he's ready for redemption.

- Meri-Jo Borzilleri may be reached at 636-0259 or merijo@gazette.com

Spring game

WHO: Blue/Silver Game

WHEN: Noon today

WHERE: Falcon Stadium

COST: Free