Big splash nets Falcon fast cash/ Promotional event also earns AFA

0 Comments | Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Aug 9, 2002 | by Tim Mimick

Combining all his talent and size into one dynamic show, Air Force senior offensive lineman Wayne Southam claimed the world championship cannonball title last month. At least, that's what a Denver radio station proclaimed its make-a-huge-splash-in-a-pool competition to be.

And people wonder why we have a water shortage in this state. Southam displaced gallons and gallons.

For his awesome display that brought some bystanders to alligator tears, he received a "$7 plastic crown, Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets and $500."

Southam, a 6-foot-2, 255-pound center from Aurora, said he will use the money to make a car payment and will display the crown proudly at his home (no admission will be charged; call ahead for reservations).

According to Mountain West Conference and Air Force athletic department officials, Southam will be able to keep the $500. The NCAA Bylaw Interpretation section has a ruling called "Winning Cash Prize in Non-institutional Promotional Activity" that declares such winnings to be OK for college student-athletes as long as the competition was open to the public, among other restrictions.

An official NCAA ruling wasn't available immediately.

"I appreciate the NCAA understanding this," Southam said with a twinkle in his eyes. "I'll have to go on the pro cannonball circuit now, but it's just something I'll have to pursue later (after graduation)."

Southam and fellow Air Force offensive lineman Nate Olsen, a senior from Broomfield, heard the 103.5 FM station - "The Fox" - promoting the event to be held at the University of Denver indoor pool. The competition was broadcast live from 7-9:30 a.m. about two weeks ago.

About 15 hearty competitors entered. Southam soon was nicknamed "Little Wayne" because "there was another Wayne there whom they called, 'Big Wayne,' because he had to be 6-8 and probably 450 pounds."

"Big Wayne" quickly was eliminated for an illegal cannonball. Each cannonball off the 3-meter board was judged on style and splash. Olsen, 6-6 and 290 pounds, was eliminated after the first round, with judging conducted by a woman from The Fox and Denver Broncos lineman David Diaz-Infante. The second round was the final round. Commentary came from The Fox outrageous morning duo of "Lewis and Floorwax."

"My first one, I called 'Big Chief' and it was (sitting) Indian- style," Southam said. "My second one, I called it, 'My Salute to Freedom,' where I started off Indian-style, did a quarter-turn to the crowd, saluted, and then went into the 'Big Chief' at the end.

"They (radio announcers) were shouting stuff like, 'That's old school!' and 'We haven't seen anything like (this) ever here!' - but this was the first one they've had - and 'That had to be the greatest since the '76 Olympics!' I needed to get a 10 on my last one because everybody else who was left had 19 and I had a 10. I realized I had to bring my best. I had to go for the gold."

Olsen, who also won Lynyrd Skynyrd concert tickets, said the competition brought Southam to a peak performance.

"He strives on the attention," Olsen said. "He's a people person. Hopefully, he'll let me be his manager."

Southam was asked by the radio crew to return next year to defend his championship. If his military duty doesn't interfere, he will return for back-to-back glory.

Air Force football coach Fisher DeBerry said he will update his resume with Southam's world championship going high on the list of accomplishments for cadets under his tutelage.

"I feel very distinguished every day coming out here to practice with a world champion on our roster," DeBerry said. "Now, was it the person who came up with the biggest hurt? No? Style and splash, huh? Well, he certainly has got style and I know he can make a big splash because he has a big rear."

- Tim Mimick may be reached at 636-0365 or tmim@gazette.com