Air Force names athletes of the year Published Dec. 10, 2003 SAN ANTONIO (AFPN) -- The Air Force announced its 2003 Athletes of the Year on Dec. 3 at the annual Athletic Business Conference in Orlando, Fla.This year’s Athletes of the Year are Capt. Kevin Eastler, from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; and 1st Lt. Laura McDonald, from Randolph AFB, Texas.Eastler, the United States’ elite race walker, became the first American to qualify for the Olympic "A" standard time.He was also formally recognized on Dec. 6 by USA Track and Field and presented the Capt. Ron Zinn Memorial award as the country's top race walker.McDonald is one of the nation's best female rugby players, officials said. She was selected from a 12,000 player-pool to be one of 36 players on the USA Eagle Women’s National Team.McDonald was also one of 12 players selected for the U.S. Women's National Sevens Rugby team.McDonald has competed in more than 15 international matches in 2003. (Courtesy of Air Force Services Agency)