The Cadets and Midshipmen.  West Point and Annapolis.  The Black Knights of the Hudson and the Pirates of the Potomac.  "Beat Navy!" and "Beat Army!"

On this Web site, we have highlighted certain aspects of all of the military institutions' football teams.  The Commander-in-Chief's Trophy and the fight songs of the academies are two instances.  However, Army-Navy is the crown jewel of the service academy games.

It's a series that has annually provided a colorful end to the college football season.  From the Corps of Cadets and Brigade March On that opens the day to the singing of the alma maters, Army-Navy is filled with all of the ingredients of what makes a classic rivalry.

courtesy usna.edu 1963 Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach, one of the five Heisman Trophy winners that played in this series, once said, "On your first day at the Naval Academy, you learn how to march, they shave your head and, before the day is over, you say 'Beat Army!'"

There is no doubt that the goal for both service academies is to beat the other.  After the Army team stands at attention to sing their alma mater in front of the Corps of Cadets after a game, the words, "Beat Navy!" come immediately after the song.  The same goes for the Naval Academy.

On the Naval Academy Yard at Annapolis, there are several traditions surrounding the Army game.  For instance, the Stribling Walk is a common place for Midshipmen to trek through.  In the middle of the parallel sidewalks stands a statue of Tecumseh.

courtesy usna.edu Midshipmen salute Tecumseh - a tradition that still lives today.

For generations, the Brigade members have marched to and from their classes while saluting Tecumseh and praying to him for aid.  During Army week, the Middies also throw coins at the statue as they march by as an offering for extra help against the "Grunts" of Army.

The athletes on both sides of the ball are similar and many were recruited by both academies.  There is very little difference, athletically, between the two teams, so the one that executes the best is victorious.

Unlike many rivalries, the game itself is a clinic on tradition.  The sitting president attends the game each year - taking a seat on the Navy side of the stadium for one half and the Army side for the other.

courtesy usna.edu The Corps of Cadets March On before the 1956 game.

When the Brigade stands in formation on the field, fighter jets scream atop the stadium as a show of Navy's strength.  Likewise, battle helicopters cruise above when the Corps takes the field.

Before kickoff, there is the cadet exchange.  Selected members of both institutions participate in a student exchange program each year, where West Point and Annapolis students will actually attend the other service academy.  On the day of the game, in military ritual, the two groups meet at midfield and a "prisoner exchange" is made.  The participating Cadets and Midshipmen are allowed to join their brothers for the game.

College football's most impressive display of honor and sportsmanship comes after the game is over.  The losing team sings its alma mater first while both teams stand at attention.

For instance, after the 2005 contest, both teams stood in front of the Army Corps of Cadets.  The Army players sang while the Navy players stood erect as a sign of respect for their foe.  Then, both teams moved to Navy's Brigade for their alma mater.

During the playing of the alma maters, it is the norm to see tears streaming down the faces of these young men.  The seniors know that a chapter of their lives have come to an end. 

Each one eagerly looks forward to protecting their country.  But, the idea of no longer being able to put on their uniform and taking the football field with their brothers is overwhelming.  They play for the love of the game, in the purest sense.

For over a century the Midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy have met the Black Knights of the United States Military Academy in a football game that captures the very essence of amateurism.  None of the players are contemplating giving up their eligibility in lieu of NFL dollars. 

Instead, their goals are to compete, graduate and serve alongside their comrades.  In a day when war is prevalent, these young men are the best of the best.

In the meantime, college football fans are treated with one of the best rivalries in all of sports.  Though it's important for us to remember that these men will be serving against enemies, foreign and domestic, it's also a must to celebrate the fact that they are still 19 and 20 year old boys playing a game.

So, do yourself a favor and drink in the experience that is Army-Navy.

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