Q: Kudos to you and the entire Navy Football Team and family. I've read your statements and those of Coach Johnson from the get-go and have been very inspired and enthused. As a 2001 grad and former player, I endured the hardships, from both the sidelines and the stands as part of the Brigade. It is nice to see that Navy Football is no longer a team but is a program. Keep up the winning tradition. I already see it fall into place with the contract through 2009 for Coach Johnson. We've had many sayings ("Never out worked", "On A Mission", etc.), but none is better than the "No Excuses" already emphasized by yourself, Coach and the team. Best of luck. We're all very proud of America's team. - asked by: LTJG Chad Trubilla -
A: Thanks, Chad, for the support.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I've been following Navy on and off for years, and it seems like this year, for the first time in a long time, Navy has really played quality football. My question is, what is it, in your opinion, that has turned things around so drastically? I mean, they went from barely winning a game a season to a winning season, with (gasp) bowl prospects, and I want to know who waved the magic wand! - asked by: Jeffrey Hatmaker -
A: Jeff, there's no magic wand, it's simply strong leadership from our Head Football Coach, an outstanding staff, renovated facilities which has helped us with recruiting, outstanding fan support, and an "expect to win" attitude. Clearly, Paul Johnson's system, which has allowed us to lead the nation in rushing, has been a catalyst, as well as the wonderful job our Defensive Coordinator, Buddy Green, has accomplished with the defense. Finally, the schedule has helped as well. Obviously, we've lightened the schedule to the point that we're not competing every weekend against bigger, stronger, faster talent, allowing the midshipmen an opportunity to go into a game believing that they can win, has made a major difference in the attitude and confidence of the program. We're all really excited about this upcoming season and believe that we can do it again.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: No question. Just a thank you. I was a Mid during the Dark Years (zero home wins), and I want to say thanks for hiring Coach Johnson and giving today's Mids and those of us football crazy Alumni something to cheer about. - asked by: Christian -
A: Thanks for taking the time to write, Christian, and we appreciate all your support.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: We all know that the physical limitations on athletes at the military academies prevent them from competing successfully with the "big boys" of Division IA. Also difficult curriculum further reduces the recruiting process. Why don't the Army, Navy and Air Force join the Ivy League and drop to Division IAA (which also has some tough teams that can play with the IA guys)? There just have been too many years of frustrated Navy followers. - asked by: dvdbacco@netzero -
A: It's completely unrealistic for us to drop to IAA. First of all at the Division IA level, we have been wining over 60% of our contests across the board on an annual basis. Secondly, if we were to drop to Division IAA, I estimate that we would lose $9-10 million a year in revenue that's generated by the football program. These dollars are used to support the other 29 sports. Therefore, if football goes to IAA, it becomes a deficit program, and it costs the Academy the numbers I mentioned to support the budget. It's not fiscally realistic to be anywhere but where we are, and with the success of the football program, I think we're proving that it can be done. Right now we're 5-0 in football and have beaten both ACC and SEC opponents, and I don't know of anyone who is frustrated with the program today.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Hi! I am a season ticket holder, and I just wanted to tell you how happy I am about the following:
(1) The stadium is wonderful. The renovations are very good.
(2) I really enjoy the radio broadcast team that you have in place - Socci, Nelson and (when he is available) Feinstein make a very good team.
(3) Like everyone else, I am impressed with the current coaches, players and administration.
Thanks for doing such a great job over there in Annapolis.
- asked by: John Forgach -
A: Thanks, John, for your wonderful comments. I appreciate your support. It is encouraging and motivating to know that there are many wonderful people like yourself enjoying the pageantry and total experience of Navy Football.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
