SALUTE (Army, Navy, Air Force)

cloverleaf · May 26, 2014

I have always admired our service academies and what the players and coaches go through just to play on Saturdays. No other coaches in Division I football face the restrictions with recruiting that Navy's Ken Niumatalolo, Army's Jeff Monken and Air Force coach Troy Calhoun face. Yet, most seasons they put a pretty good product on the field.

1. Academics requirements are so rigorous just to get in, and rigorous to stay in.
2. Height and weight requirements mean the academies are always out manned in the trenches.
3. Mandatory military service is a turn off to most kids.

Can you imagine if the SEC, Big Ten, Pac 12, ACC or Big 12 had such requirements...hard to imagine.

Just wanted to take a moment on this Memorial Day to "SALUTE" our service academies.

MackDonald · May 26, 2014

Very thoughtful and appropriate Clover; Memorial Day was set-aside to honor those that served and, in far too many cases, gave "their-all" for our Country
and those that live within and treasure it.

GoSooners · May 26, 2014

I always think of my dad on this day. He was a sergeant and fought in World War 2. He used to tell me some of his war stories from when he was stationed over in Italy. He had a lot of close calls with death. After hearing those stories I feel lucky that I'm here today..

CoachCB · May 26, 2014

FYI, the Coast Guard Academy (in New London, CT) fields a Division 3 football team.

MackDonald · May 26, 2014

CoachCB said:
FYI, the Coast Guard Academy (in New London, CT) fields a Division 3 football team.

I didn't know that Coach............Regardless of the Division they play-in, I'll bet it is "hard-nose" football they, the Academy, plays.

CoachCB · May 26, 2014

Mack, the Merchant Marine Academy also fields a D3 team.

cloverleaf · Jun 4, 2014

GoSooners said:
I always think of my dad on this day. He was a sergeant and fought in World War 2. He used to tell me some of his war stories from when he was stationed over in Italy. He had a lot of close calls with death. After hearing those stories I feel lucky that I'm here today..

GS, my dad was shot up pretty good during WWII. He was shot in both legs in fighting the Japs during one of the two landings he made. I never heard him complain even though watching him hurt stringing fences, bailing hay, rounding up horses, or just daily work around the place. Thinking back, makes me cry sometimes.

Hell, don't know how to post it but Youtube -Chet Atkins-"I still can't say goodbye" (live) says it all.