Q: It seems to me that Navy, as well as Army, would be well suited for the MAC Athletic Conference. It would give Navy access to two Bowl Games and, if Army also joined and was put in a different division, there would be a possibility of two Navy-Army football games in the same year. - asked by: William Bevins -
A: As it stands today, independence serves us well. We have full control of our television scheduling, sources of income, and over the last two years, Bowl opportunities. The Army/Navy game is truly a very special event, and I don't believe playing them twice in the same season would serve us well. Currently with the success we're having in football, we have already been approached by a number of Bowls should we meet the NCAA minimum for Bowl eligibility, that being six wins.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Now that the smoke has settled with the Big East and ACC, is the rumor of Army & Navy splitting FB games in the C-USA true? We here in Marshall-land would love to see the Mids come to southern WV. It would also help me in my BGO position. Also, congratulations on a wonderful job with all the USNA sports! - asked by: Ed Miller -
A: Thanks, Ed, for the support and encouragement. Right now, independence is where we are best positioned. We will revisit conference affiliation again down the road. Conference USA seems to be settled for the time being.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: With the recent departure of Miami, VT, and BC from the Big East and due to the fact that Navy historically plays many teams in the Big East, wouldn't now be a great time to join the Big East for football? - asked by: Scott Wassel, '88 -
A: Right now we feel comfortable as an independent. It is possible down the road that conference affiliation could become an option, however, we can dictate our scheduling which has been a major boost to positioning ourselves to win. Secondly, the television revenues that we generate are kept by the Academy. Thirdly, because of last year's showing in the Houston Bowl, I'm confident that if there're open slots at the end of the year and we are bowl eligible, we should find an opportunity. And four, the revenues that we generate through our football program are kept in their entirety by the Academy not shared with other schools. Therefore, as we build the program today, it's best that we remain with the flexibility we have, but I don't discount the very real possibility of conference affiliation down the road.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I have heard speculation that Army and Navy will become allied members of Conference USA whereas they will only have to play 4 CUSA teams and will be eligible to play in CUSA bowl games. Is there any truth to this rumor? - asked by: Curt -
A: Curt, that was something we looked at for a brief period of time, but in the final analysis, we're going to remain independent and Army will become an independent next year (after the 2005 season).
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Join the Big East in football!!!! Just imagine the current BE members plus.....Notre Dame, Penn State, Army, Navy. Such a classy group of classic eastern colleges. Existing rivalries! New ones to form! Please consider it and talk to the other schools to help them along! Thanks! (It was worth a shot.) - asked by: Bill Shadel -
A: It's possible that we could join the Big East somewhere down the road. Right now, however, we're trying to get our feet on the ground and establish a program that can compete at the IA level successfully. As you know, we've had a limited number of winning seasons over the last 40 years, and to enjoy some success and schedule in a way that our midshipmen have a chance to win every weekend, is the first step in the building process. I will admit, however, if down the road the Big East is a possibility, we'll consider it very carefully.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Now that the ACC is 12 teams, has the Big East come calling? I hope they don't. You've broken the code on making Navy football fun again. As an independent, you've skillfully crafted a schedule, which makes a winning season attainable. Don't overreach like we did in the late '90's. For Navy to just have a winning season in DIA is a tremendous accomplishment. You'll generate more attendance and TV revenue with a winning program and a schedule like this year than by being a doormat in a NFL minor league.
Please don't turn our student-athletes into mercenaries. They and the Brigade need the morale boost that comes with having a realistic chance to enjoy a win on most Saturdays. Thanks for bring me back to the games - it had become too painful to watch. Navy IS back sooner than any of us had reason to hope for. BZ. - asked by: RJR '70 -
A: Thanks for your comments, and I take each and every comment emailed to me seriously. I can promise you that any decision made regarding conference affiliation will have our student-athletes' best interest as the number one priority.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I am a devoted Navy fan and excited about the direction the Academy's sports programs have gone. I have noticed that many fans have expressed a desire to join a major football conference. I believe that Navy Football should remain Independent. It gives the Academy flexibility in scheduling and makes the program more competitive. Also, unless the conference is comprised of teams that are on an equal footing, it would put the Academy at a disadvantage. I also agree with what you have explained to others on this matter. I am not an expert in this area, just an observer who says, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Thank you for all you have done at Annapolis! GO NAVY!!!! - asked by: George Economides -
A: Thanks, George, for your comments. I agree with you wholeheartedly. We speak the same language, and right now I don't believe it's broken so let's enjoy the ride and keep things moving in the same direction.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
