12/13/2004 - Football
Army-Navy Symbolizes How Special This Country Is?

I must admit that in recent weeks I had become fed up with sports and all the antics of athletes.?


That's the last thing you want to feel when you make your living working in the world of sports.?


However, in just three hours last Saturday, I was able to regain my enjoyment for sports and realize how privileged I am to work in this profession.?

More importantly, I was again able to realize how privileged I am to live in this country.?


If you've attended an Army-Navy game before, then you know what I'm talking about.?

If you haven't * then I hope someday you are fortunate enough like myself to witness this wonderful spectacle.?


There are other college football rivalries played each season that carry more importance in terms of national championship implications, but none come close to the spirit, intensity and pageantry that is Army-Navy.?

Every player that puts on an Army or Navy uniform does so for the love of the game, despite knowing these are the final days of their playing careers. Instead of putting on an NFL jersey after they graduate, they'll put on camouflage fatigues or work blues and go about defending this nation.?

During the game, Army fans chant "Go Army, Beat Navy!" and the Navy fans chant "Go Navy, Beat Army!" By the end of the game, both groups quit those cheers and chant in unison, "U-S-A!"?

It doesn't stop with the fans. Both teams stand to honor the other's alma mater after the final gun has been fired. They might be opponents now, but they know in the not so distant future, they'll be standing side-by-side as teammates.? ?


They also stand at attention for both songs out of respect, because only they know what the other really goes through for four years.?

There are no special treatments for football players at West Point and Annapolis. You must check your ego at the front gate, and if it isn't, it will surely be checked for you during plebe summer (aka freshman boot camp at both academies). ?


There are no classes such as "Intro to Golf" or "Swimming Pool Management." Instead, there are required courses such as "Electrical or Aerospace Engineering" and "Weapons Training." ?

You can skip a class at a big school and more than likely get away without any punishment from your coach. But skip a class at Army or Navy, and you must face the wrath of your company officer, a review board and finally your head coach. ?


The desire to win football games at both places isn't any less compared to the top-tier programs. However, with the battles waging in Iraq and Afghanistan, there are times when winning and losing a football game are put into perspective.?


The Navy football program has had three former players - Ron Winchester, Scott Zellem and J.P. Blecksmith - all killed in action during the past three months.?


Despite those tragic losses, players on both teams remain firm in their beliefs of serving their country.? I know first hand because I've had the honor of getting to know several of them.?

If they represent the kind of future leaders both West Point and Annapolis are producing, then we can all rest assured this country is in great hands.?
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