Today marks the 112th time that the US Military Academy has played the US Naval Academy in football. The first game was played on 29 Nov 1890. The Midshipment have won 55 of the 111 previous games, including the last 9 in a row. The Black Knights of Army have won 49 of the games. There have been 7 ties.
Neither team will play in a bowl game this year. Navy is 4-7 going into today's game while Army is 3-8. On the positive side for both teams, they finished in the top 5 in the nation in total rushing yards per game. Army is first, averaging 351 yards rushing per game. Navy is fourth at 314 yards per game.
I am in favor of a playoff system to determine the national champion in college football and will once again boycott all bowl games. I do love some of the tradition and pageantry in college football. That's one of the things that draws me to this game every year. I love the spirit clips the students from both academies make. I love the seniors who introduce themselves and the branches of service they will enter upon graduation.
This game reminds me that there are young people in this country who do understand the words duty, honor, country, and commitment. And they come from all backgrounds.
Once the competition has ended, the losing team goes to its student section. The players are called to attention on the field with the students in the stands. And the band plays the school alma matre. The winning team stands at attention behind them in respect and solidarity. Then both teams proceed to the winning teams students for a repeat of the ritual.
Football, and as such sport itself, is in its proper perspective for these young men. Playing is fun. To play with intensity is important. To win is important. But above that, to play with honor and respect for your opponent is more highly valued. This game defines sportsmanship.
Congratulations to the seniors from both academies. I thank them for their commitment to becoming the future leaders of our armed forces, and wish them well as they graduate next spring to the defense of our country and our liberty.
United States Military Academy
Duty, Honor, Country
United States Naval Academy
From knowledge, seapower
I include the graduating class of seniors from the US Air Force Academy in my admiration and gratitude. Air Force finished 7-5 and won the 2011 Commander-in-Chief's trophy, beating Navy 35-34 in OT in October and Army 24-14 in November. The Falcons will face Toledo on 28 December in the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman.
I know I just gave the sponsor of a bowl game some exposure here. But my intent was to praise and to honor the young men from the US Air Force Academy, who have won the Commander-in-Chief's trophy 18 times since it's inception in 1972 against 12 times for Navy and 6 times for Army.
United States Air Force Academy
Integrity first, Service before self, Excellence in all we do
