The long gray line
by chuckofish
My bon ami Dick posted on Facebook yesterday about going to a football game at West Point and I don’t think he will mind if I share what he said and some of his pictures from the event.
I had a great day yesterday. Ever since I was a youngster cheering on Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis, I have wanted to see a game at West Point and I got my wish yesterday…I was not disappointed. It happened to be a game against the Air Force Academy with the Commander in Chief trophy at stake…Army prevailed in a thriller 17-14 which went down to the last minute or so of the game. Afterward, both teams joined one another in singing each academy’s alma mater with band accompaniment. The crowd’s energy was terrific and folks were very friendly. I got to thinking that this is the way college football used to be and should be. Those guys on the field may not have been 4 or 5 stars but they were good…and all are subject to the same academic rigors as all the other cadets, they are true “student athletes.” Anyway, it was a hell of a lot of fun!
Yes, indeed, well said*.
BTW, DN was interviewed as the man in the street regarding the “Sideline Scandal”/debacle at the University of Maryland.
🙄 Anyway, I’m glad to hear that they still play (and coach) football at West Point the old-fashioned way–like gentlemen/student-athletes.
P.S. As you know, our great-uncle Guy went to West Point, but having failed math, he retreated to the University of Vermont. He served his country in WWI and died in the Argonne Forest. We will think of him this week as Veterans Day approaches.
*Thank you, Dick!
dual personalities 
And thank you, Katie…I am much flattered! Those guys and girls at West Point and the other service academies are my idols with what they experience and I feel strongly about the football (and other athletics as well) thing!
I totally agree with you! It looked like a beautiful day.
Great pics–and glad to hear that there are some traditions that haven’t changed yet!
The USMA campus is really neat. I’d love to see a game there sometime! Also, love that they interviewed Nate!
You know I have a lot of feelings about “student athletes” having taught quite a few of them 😉 sounds like they’ve got good sportsmanship at WP!
I doubt West Point-ers can get Chik-Fil-A delivered to class 😉
LOL
Great post. At one time my Amma Mater (U of Virginia) lamented their football players had to be academically qualified, which kept the Win/Loss record in the tank. Not so much any more on the academics, and they campus values have changed with the reduced requirements. So sad to see another D1 athletic situation at another once rigorous University. Go Nate!