Sept. 9, 2017 On Sept. 9, 2017, prior to the football team's 23-21 home-opening victory against Tulane, the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA) hosted over 100 guests for the 2017 Athletics & Scholarship Program (A&SP) Trustee Appreciation Lunch. The A&SP encourages and supports athletic excellence at the Academy, as the program contributes with grants and awards recognizing outstanding student-athletes at the Naval Academy. The Foundation supports Naval Academy athletics by providing the financial needs for the Midshipmen's success.

The luncheon took place in the Clubs at Akerson Tower, as trustees, family, friends and Naval Academy staff joined in to celebrate the start of the 2017-18 athletic season. Those at the reception received a 2016-17 commemorative Corvias President's Cup Plates. The President's Cup is awarded to the institution with the highest cumulative win percentage in the Patriot League for the athletic year. Navy's 2016-17 President's Cup is fifth in Navy's history and fourth consecutive cup.

Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk spoke on the success of the past season, as well as the future success of Navy athletics. A&SP Chairman RADM Thomas Lynch '64 also spoke, as both thanked guests for their continued support of Navy Athletics.

For information about The Fund for Athletic Excellence and information about other events, contact Matt Goff at matt.goff@USNA.com or Tim Ford at tim.ford@USNA.com.