As far back as I can remember I've been a Navy fan. Perhaps it stems from the fact that from age 2 my family was stationed at the United States Naval Academy (*one of the world finest military academies) and my formative years were spent around some of our nation's brightest and bravest young men. Now don't get it twisted, it wasn't all high-fives and Slim Jims. Imagine if you will, having 15-20 older brothers, who at times tend to do what big brothers do to their little brothers. But it has been something that has shaped my life and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
In the same sense, the Navy/Notre Dave game has ALWAYS been a formality. Whether it's in Annapolis or South Bend, it's the same old story. Kick-off, and . . . "Good effort guys, maybe next year". As a kid you become indifferent to the game because it means that someone is going to be talking about 1963, when Roger Staubach lead Navy to a 34-14 win over Notre Dame on his way to the Heisman Trophy.
And so has been the norm for my 26 years.
44 years have passed since the last time Navy left the field victorious over the Irish, and in those closing moments 43 senior classes of Midshipmen all around the world cheered and raised their hands together. So many people forget what the future holds for these young men. Flight school, fleet navigation across the Atlantic, submarine command in the Indian Ocean or combat training in the desert. The only sure thing is where they are in the moment, together.
Now I'm not saying this game will be the turning point of this rivalry or that Navy will continue competing on this national stage or that it won't take another 44 years for them to log another win. But this game should be remembered for showing the determination and honor of a group of men who choose to ignore the last 44 years and make their own destiny.
Congratulations to the Navy Football team, the Brigade is proud of you. And in the tradition of all Navy sports, the alma mater:
Now college men from sea to sea
May sing of colors true,
But who has better right than we
To hoist a symbol hue?
For sailor men in battle fair
Since fighting days of old,
Have proved a sailor's right to wear
The Navy Blue and Gold.
BEAT ARMY!
In the same sense, the Navy/Notre Dave game has ALWAYS been a formality. Whether it's in Annapolis or South Bend, it's the same old story. Kick-off, and . . . "Good effort guys, maybe next year". As a kid you become indifferent to the game because it means that someone is going to be talking about 1963, when Roger Staubach lead Navy to a 34-14 win over Notre Dame on his way to the Heisman Trophy.
And so has been the norm for my 26 years.
44 years have passed since the last time Navy left the field victorious over the Irish, and in those closing moments 43 senior classes of Midshipmen all around the world cheered and raised their hands together. So many people forget what the future holds for these young men. Flight school, fleet navigation across the Atlantic, submarine command in the Indian Ocean or combat training in the desert. The only sure thing is where they are in the moment, together.
Now I'm not saying this game will be the turning point of this rivalry or that Navy will continue competing on this national stage or that it won't take another 44 years for them to log another win. But this game should be remembered for showing the determination and honor of a group of men who choose to ignore the last 44 years and make their own destiny.
Congratulations to the Navy Football team, the Brigade is proud of you. And in the tradition of all Navy sports, the alma mater:
Now college men from sea to sea
May sing of colors true,
But who has better right than we
To hoist a symbol hue?
For sailor men in battle fair
Since fighting days of old,
Have proved a sailor's right to wear
The Navy Blue and Gold.
BEAT ARMY!
