Around the Yard: Army Navy Football, and Other Stuff Too

It’s Army Navy week(s) Ladies and Gentlemen. Rooms are getting ransacked in Bancroft and the Barracks at West Point. Plebes are getting Carry-On in their own creative ways, while also exacting revenge on their upper classmen, as is sanctioned by tradition. It’s truly “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” on both the Hudson and Severn; especially for 4th Class Cadets and Midshipmen. See you in Philly next weekend!

What else is happening at the service academies this week you ask? Let’s take a look.

NAVY

Navy Women’s Volleyball Falls In Straight Sets To Michigan

Navy Women’s Volleyball had the best season in the history of the program by making it to the NCAA tournament for the first time. Although the Mids fell in straight sets the, it was a pretty close matchup, especially in the first two sets. The Mids are losing some terrific senior leaders on the squad, but they have plenty of depth to make another run in 2019!

Navy Squash Wins 11th Straight Match

So Navy Squash is Number 10 in the country and they have won 11 in a row. They beat ANOTHER ranked opponent in Middleburry (#20). Navy won the match 5-4 and extended their winning streak. The Mids will face #7 Dartmouth today, 1 Dec.

Army Navy Swimming & Diving Meet This Weekend

Navy Women’s Swimming had defeated Army 29 years in a row; the men’s team has won 27 years in a row. Both Navy and Army are 8-1 on the season, so it will probably be a closer affair this year. I wouldn’t count on the Army upset though; they call us “Squids” for a reason.

ARMY

Army Football Fighting for a Bowl Game

Army could have 10 wins and no where to go in December after next weekend. Chock this up to whatever you like, but bottom line is there is a reason Chet Gladchuk brought Navy to the American Athletic Conference; and bowls are a big part of it. The nature of the beast in 2018 is every bowl bid is tied to a conference, provided they have enough bowl eligible teams. As it stands today, Army won’t be the only program without a date to the ball this year. Right now there are 39 bowls with 78 spots and 81 bowl eligible teams. All 78 bids are tied to a conference right now, so unless there is a shake up on today with conference championships then Army is going to be a 10 win squad without a date.

Army Basketball Gets the W Today

Army Men’s Basketball (4-5) eeked out the win today over a 2-6 Fairfield squad. Junior Forward Matt Wilson led both teams in scoring with 19 points. Of note was Senior Guard Jordan Fox who became the 33rd Black Knight to reach 1000 career points. Army Men’s Basketball will face NJIT on Tuesday 4 December in New Jersey; followed by a trip out west to Colorado Springs where they will face Air Force at 1600 EST, one hour into the Army Navy Football Game…interesting scheduling decision.

Army Hockey Edges Out Canisius

Army Hockey took the lead and held on in the third period. Army went ahead 5-3 early in the third; they were able to keep it despite a late surge by Canisius. Most important to note is Army Head Man Brian Riley got his 100th victory at home, Tate Rink at West Point.

This week’s Main Effort is obviously the Army Navy Game; however, Air Force has a few good things going on as well.

AIR FORCE

Air Force Soccer Staff Garners Honors

It should come as no surprise the Air Force Men’s Soccer Staff was recognized this week by United Soccer Coaches for their achievement this season. Doug Hill and his team were names Regional Staff of the Year winners for all three NCAA divisions. The Falcons were ranked as high as #7 this season and were undefeated at home (10-0). The Falcons made it to the third round of the NCAA tournament where they fell to #2 Indiana.

Air Force Wrestling Sends Two to Second Round of Open In Vegas

Junior Alec Opsal and Senior Co-Captain Alex Mossing won first round matchups to advance to the 2nd round of the elite Cliff Keen Open. Opsal defeated two nationally ranked opponents in the first round to advance, including revenge on #13 Tommy Thorn of Minnesota. Mossing advanced via the consolation bracket after a tough match versus #7 Kennedy Monday. Mossing was able to bounce back with a pair of victories, including one over #17 Hunter Willis from Oregon State.

Lady Falcons Take on Undefeated Gophers

Women’s Basketball has their work cut out for them on Sunday when they face #20 Minnesota.The Lady Falcons have never defeated Minnesota; their last matchup was in 2012 when Air Force lost 46-81. Air Force is 4-3 on the season, including a win over Army; they will face Navy on Friday evening at home.