Posted on 02/24/2014 6:48:41 PM PST by chargers fan
On Dec. 15, shortly after Army football’s 12th consecutive loss to the U.S. Naval Academy, the superintendent of West Point, Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen , announced that he was considering institutional changes to build a winning program. “When America puts its sons and daughters in harm’s way, they do not expect us to just ‘do our best’ . . . but to win,” he wrote. “Nothing short of victory is acceptable. . . . Our core values are Duty, Honor, Country. Winning makes them real.”
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I say we ban all but intramural sports from our service academies and use those funds for more real education.
I'd say, of course! But I have a family member who is a USMC grad -- I'll see what he thinks.
I am not an Academy graduate, but I did serve on the faculty in both an Academic Department and in the USCC. I think that Caslen is on a fool’s errand, which was my view of several things that he did at the Combined Arms Center at Ft. Leavenworth.
First class athletes in Division I football programs live a life that cannot be replicated at West Point. While subject to NCAA rules, the top notch programs still can offer perks that are simply beyond the reach of the Military Academy. Coupled with the service obligation that goes with graduation, West Point cannot recruit first rate players no matter what the academic standards might be. Navy does marginally better because of the location of the Naval Academy and the less austere reputation of Canoe U.
Caslan cannot turn this around and I don’t think that it makes much sense to try. The Academies are much better suited to the Ivy League than to the big leagues of the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, etc.
I believe the funds for athletics come from TV revenue, tickets, and donations.
If the Army can promote an AA Hispanic to general ranks they can let in less intelligent football players without any harm.
The athletic departments at USMA and US A are privately funded
Did you mean USMA grad?
They’ll never beat Navy no matter what they try.
winnah winnah chicken dinnah!
Look at the command climate suveys at the USAFA and see the divide between the cadets headed for 2LT service and the semi pros on the athletic teams.
Service academies can play each other, USCGA, VMI, Citadel etc and have an appropriately focused conference.
I was stationed at West Point. On of my neighbors, a history instructor, told me that the standards were relaxed and he was indignant that this was the best they could do with lowered standards.
I’m a grad....and I once roomed with a football player.
Imho, academic standards are not what holds USMA back. The service obligation does. So how come Navy keepw beating them? For starters, the Navy has given the signal that, if you turn out to be pro material, they will bend the rules and make it happen. Also I believe Navy has been more lenient on pre-commissioning height/weight.
I often tell people that west point is a relic of the past - where the athletes truly are ‘student’ athletes. Sure they get special tutors and special treatment, but they really do go to school there. Most college teams...those guys would never get within a thousand yards of campus if it weren’t for football...they stay in.a special athlete dorm away from other students...and really don’t participate in the student experience in any way. I don’t mind that West Point still has real students playing. I would like to beat Navy though.
Yes, I do.
He’ll never forgive me!
We will see what this guy can do....@CoachJeffMonken
I stopped at the second paragraph.
They want to relax admission standards for football???????
Unbelievable.
.
I think you’re correct; it’s a case of our football players, on average, are bigger and faster than your football players. USNA bends the rules a bit more than USMA, and has been more flexible if a player has pro prospects.
USNA grad here - it’s been back and forth in the 80s for a time USNA was looser but then tightened up partially because of alumni pushback - all should do their part. Napolean Mccallum is the one that really stuvk in rveryones craw - - only 5 year student, specisl benies to allow pro, etc. Staubach did his time why didnt nap do the same etc. David Robinson isn’t the example to use since technically he shouldn’t have been allowed to grad - too tall for stds. He wanted to serve though so they made him a PAO which was a good fit. I’ve seen a few from all the schools finish their time keep in shape and manage a few years after their commitment, but nothing like Nap unless its just not made as big a splash so I haven’t heard. My two cents is you want to go you serve otherwise don’t go. No exceptions. I think the bigger issue for USma over the last ten years is the higher risk of ground combat vs the others - USMC is out of Navy but selective and not forced.
What about the Navy? Aren’t they supposed to win, too?
It is surprising that USMA doesn't realize the success or failure of any organization has far more to do with leadership than with the individual talents of its members.
I don’t disagree on the coaching, but USMA is having recruting issues as well (which could be blamed on the coaching staff I suppose). Their field success started the downward trend when they tried to introduce a “pro” offense about 3 coaches ago - the last one started heading them in the right direction with the option, but it takes 2-3 years to recruit the right players and get things in place. provided the new coach continues and doesn’t try to shift to a totally new package again they should start to come out of it.
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