The Game
Most people in Alabama believe the biggest rivalry of the year in college football is the Alabama vs Auburn game. It has been voted nationally the biggest rivalry in many polls over the years surpassing such annual rivalries as Oklahoma vs Texas, Notre Dame vs USC, Miami vs Florida St., and Georgia vs Florida. For me, the biggest rivalry is the Army vs Navy game.
No game in college football can match the pageantry, class, worldwide enthusiasm and the determination to win like the players playing in the Army vs Navy game. These two teams meet annually and very seldom is there a player with NFL talent on the field; it is doubtful whether any starting player on either team could start for a top 20 college football program. This year the two teams met for the 109th time and for the 7th straight year Navy beat Army. The final score was Navy 34 - Army 0.
There is not a more beautiful pre-game in all of college football like this game. Even if you are not a football fan, you cannot help but be moved as the entire Army Core of Cadets from West Point and the Midshipmen from Annapolis march into the stadium dressed in full formal uniform. Their presence is a reminder of our history and a hope for our nation’s future.
The game is played by scholars with academic skill. Both team’s players play as if each play was their last and the game’s outcome was being decided by their performance. Even when Navy took a three score lead and it was obvious to the casual fan which was the better team, Army continued to play as if the score was tied. The cadets and midshipman in the stands stood the entire game as is their custom and cheered for their teams until the end.
I enjoy the game because these players play the game as it was meant to be played. No player on either side taunts the opposing team or seeks individual recognition. There is no, “look at me” in these young men as there is in all other college football games played each fall Saturday.
The game is also bittersweet. I hate that one of these teams must lose. It is especially difficult for the Army seniors who never tasted victory against their biggest rival. Every year losing seniors weep like boys. For these seniors, it is more than a game, it is a test of will and a reminder that never again will they set foot on the football gridiron as a competitor.
The events closing stanza is the true testament of the quality of these players. Both teams stand side-by-side, and each school sings its alma manta. First, the two teams turn towards the losing academy’s student body and then turn toward the winning side. Players then like in most college games mingle with opposing players and exchange well wishes.
Though not mentioned, all know as these players walk off the field that for some they may not witness another game. All seniors will begin serving their five year commitment in May. This time next year some will be standing in the sand of Iraq or in the hills of Afghanistan. College football for the academies is a game, not life and death as so many seem to think. These young men more than most understand the difference.
Rollin’ Along is a series by Mark Martin.
Thank you, Mark. These men deserve a world of credit for what they do - in the classroom, on the gridiron and on the battlefield. I never fail to choke up at some point during the ceremonies surrounding this spectacle. Well done!
Thanks Duke. I always pull for the team that lost last year. There is something moving about watching those men and women march into the stadium. I love West Point’s dress uniforms with the overcoat. It is always sad to see the losing team sing their alma mater at the end.
Right on Mark!!!!