The national championship Aerobatic Team at SIU-C has been on a temporary hiatus since early 2008. This was due to a lack of aircraft sponsorship for the last year. Ever since 2001, the team enjoyed generous sponsorships, and earned the national championship collegiate title for six of those years. Coach Charley Rodriguez and captain Scott Marquardt have been brainstorming for the last year, trying to find a way to get the team its wings again. Recently, a new plan has been put into motion.

The 2009 team, consisting of Scott, Brian Clavenna, Mike Regan, Don Bartlett, and Josh Cisneros, is in the process of forming a not-for-profit corporation and securing sponsorships from businesses and individuals that are willing to contribute. When the funds are substantial enough to purchase an aerobatic aircraft, the corporation will do so, and the team will be flying once again. This corporation, Southern Illinois Aerobatics, will establish the team independently, while also offering donors the benefit of a tax deduction and positive promotion. Best of all, the company will be able to exist well into the future, providing this invaluable opportunity for aviators to follow. Team members really become closer to being total aviators; not only do they enjoy the excitement of aerobatic flight, but the skills that are learned from this unique style of flying help pilots to understand complicated aerodynamic principles, energy management, and precise control of their aircraft. Teammates are also required to maintain the aircraft, so their airframe and power plant knowledge is put to good use.

Southern Illinois Aerobatics is in its infancy, and still needs much assistance. The team hopes to raise enough funds quickly, and return the championship title to its rightful home in Carbondale. Questions about sponsorship can be answered by contacting Scott Marquardt at smarquardt@aviation.siuc.edu or 757-652-8008.