NAVY SINKS ARMY FOR THE 10TH STRAIGHT YEAR – AMERICA WINS

NAVY SINKS ARMY FOR THE 10^TH STRAIGHT YEAR – AMERICA WINS

From a WSJ article by Lucas Y. Tomlinson

 
Last Saturday was the 112^th Army Navy football game.  This is the 11^th straight year that team members from both sides know they are preparing for military service in time of war. Some of these gridiron warriors turned down college scholarships and cushy, elevated campus status for the hell of being a “plebe”, enduring “beast barracks” and physically demanding, grueling basic training. Hell, football practice must feel like a vacation to these cadets. Skwoosh wasn’t around selling bleacher seats in 1890 when Navy won that first game on the parade field at West Pont.   This gridiron rivalry has had its ups and downs (no pun intended). It was even abolished under President Grove Cleveland in 1894, probably because the vendor selling Skwoosh motorcyclegel seats didn’t show up. The game resumed in 1899 and was played until America’s entry into the First World War. The war effort needed officers quickly, so both academies shortened their academic programs to three years by eliminating extra curricula activities and sports. The game resumed in 1930 and has continued ever since.  In the 113 contests, Navy has won 56 games, Army 49 and there have been 7 ties. As much as we celebrate the games and past heroes like, Joe Bellino, Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis and Roger Staubach – we should recognize the courage and toughness of those in uniform in the stands.  All the participants, players and many of the spectators might be showing their toughness, focus and determination on fields with unusual names like Fallujah, Helmand and Ramadi.  The real winner of the 27 to 21 contest is America – our team is the best.