Q: Back in the late 90's, Navy played Notre Dame in Dublin, Ireland. I was there a full week prior to the game, and it was a fantastic experience. Navy gave ND a real run for their money too; a very high-scoring affair. Is there a plan to play Notre Dame in Ireland again, and if so, when?
Many thanks for your outstanding leadership as the USNA A.D. - you have made a huge impact with all the sport programs for Navy! BZ - asked by: CAPT Dave Burnes -
A: We are going to play Notre Dame in Ireland in 2012. It was part of a 10-year contract extension. I'm looking forward to working on the logistics and setting up the trip. It should be fun and hopefully a better outcome on the field than was the case when we were last in Dublin.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: SIt is always a pleasure to watch two of my favorite football teams play each season; Nebraska and Navy. Each year teams are finding it harder to schedule non-conference opponents into their schedules. What is the likelihood of there ever being a Nebraska-Navy match up in the future? - asked by: LT Jason Gillespie -
A: Being a Division IA football program, there's always the possibility that we could play anyone. Whether scheduled during the regular season or in a bowl game. As it stands today, we do not have Nebraska on the schedule. My most important objective is to make sure the coach and the team have every opportunity to earn a successful season. Who we schedule is actually a science that, to date, has served us well. When you take a look at some of the programs we have down the road, including Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Wake Forest, Connecticut, East Carolina, and of course Army, Air Force and Notre Dame, I am very careful to ensure that there's adequate balance throughout the season. We don't want to put ourselves in a situation that doesn't provide us with a legitimate shot at post-season consideration. This is one of the key reasons why we remain comfortably as an Independent. Remember, television, tickets, corporate support, alumni giving, facility construction, and other important advancements continue to flourish by virtue of the fact that we're winning football games, and a balanced schedule is a big part of it.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: First of all, let me thank you for the wonderful job you have done as Athletic Director at the Naval Academy. As a graduate of Georgia Southern University and a former resident of Savannah GA, I have watched Coach Johnson through the years, and his teams have always been very exciting to watch. After relocating to Annapolis (working in D.C.), the first thing I did was purchase season tickets for the 2004 season. I purchased them again this year (2005), and I will continue to purchase season tickets as long as I live here. I am growing accustomed to many of the NAVY traditions around the game of football (such as Navy vs. Notre Dame), and I understand the part that plays in the rich history of Navy Football. I also know how important it is for the program to have big "revenue" days where the team has the opportunity to sell out a venue and reap huge profits. Georgia Southern has had to do that every couple of years to help other less profitable athletic programs around the school.
That said do you ever see a point at which Navy will host the Notre Dame game in Annapolis? Navy has not played a true "home game" against Navy in more years than I can remember. When the game IS scheduled for a Navy Home game, it is moved to another venue in New York, New Jersey, or some other location where the Notre Dame fans, because the school is so popular, outnumber the Navy fans. I was 11 years old when Navy last beat Notre Dame. I remember, because that was the first collegiate football game that I ever watched. Navy has not beaten them since, and I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER want them to stop trying. That particular match up, to me represents all that this game embodies. As close as Navy has come in recent years to defeating Notre Dame, I just wonder what would happen if our team had the opportunity to play at HOME.
Again, I understand that this game means so very much to other sports at the Academy, but I honestly wish that our young men could "strap it up" every other home game at home, and give the players at least one opportunity in their career at Navy to play this game in Annapolis. Thank you for your time. - asked by: Bruce Walters -
A: Thanks, Bruce, for your support. Appreciate your encouragement and especially your appreciation for the football program and the great job Coach Johnson has done leading our team.
Regarding your question pertaining to Notre Dame, it really is not possible to play that game in a 34,000-seat stadium. Although your point regarding home-field advantage is well taken, we could clearly not accommodate the demand for a game against Notre Dame in a venue the size of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
As you know, depending on where we play, the game is always sold out to whatever the capacity of the stadium. In some cases it's 70,000, and it has gone as high as 90,000 in the Meadowlands. The revenue from that contest is significant and not only allows us to pay a very significant guarantee to Notre Dame, but is also critical in meeting the fiscal requirements of our football program.
I appreciate the thought for all your good reasons and in many respects feel as you do. However, the business of Division I intercollegiate athletics simply dictates our continuing to play the game in a large professional venue.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I read a recent commentary in the Capital stating the Navy/Air Force game belonged in Annapolis, not Washington, and commending you for making the change. I agree. We would not have gone to a game in DC, but we did attend the Navy/Air Force game two weeks ago. Even the rain did not diminish the excitement of the event. However, the traffic and crowds did. I realize Annapolis is not the same place it was when I was a Mid (you could walk any place in town in 10 minutes), but it is overwhelmed by the boat Show AND Navy Football. Would it be possible to arrange to have away games (or a game and an off week) during Boat Show weekends? Generally there are two away games during October, why not the Boat Show weekends?
A: Jerry, we make best efforts to try and schedule games around the Boat Shows. I realize it creates a tremendous amount of confusion. In some years it's impossible to do so, based on the home and away sequence or the availability of dates offered by opponents.
Television also plays a factor on occasion in terms of where and when games are scheduled. For the most part we try to look ahead and work around the conflict. However, this year was a season where we unfortunately had two home games in conflict.
As I look down the road, it happens periodically but in no year do we conflict on two consecutive Saturdays. We'll do our best to address the situation through either scheduling or logistics in conjunction with the City as the conflicts project out.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Regarding the football schedule for 2008, have you had any contact with Virginia Tech? With their large Corps of Cadets and proximity to Annapolis, it seems like a good fit. High profile game as well. Thanks, Chet. - asked by: Jim Bost -
A: Jim, as far as Virginia Tech's concerned, they certainly represent an awful lot of "fire power". However, our schedules are set through at least 2009, and as a result playing Tech is not in the cards at this point.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: An annual Navy-Maryland rivalry in football??? I think it's a great idea, provided that Navy continues to improve its ability to compete on the field with teams like Maryland and Notre Dame. Maryland talked about playing at FedEx Field...A VERY BAD IDEA!!!! I believe that the Ravens Stadium is the ideal venue and has a much friendlier atmosphere. It allows for after-game festivities and brings great revenue to the State of Maryland and Baltimore. If you decide to continue this rivalry...my vote is Baltimore, hands down!! - asked by: George Economides -
A: We all had a fine day when we played Maryland. It was a wonderful football game; very evenly matched. Just about a full house in Ravens Stadium; national television exposure and a tremendous buildup to the contest during game week. I've had some discussions with the Athletic Director at Maryland, and right now we're both considering another match up in the future. I don't believe there's anything that should preclude us from finding a date down the road.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Why is the Notre Dame game in New Jersey instead of Baltimore or Landover? Is money more important than home field advantage and the remote possibility of winning? - asked by: John C. Rainey -
A: The game was scheduled a number of years ago.....we are (in 2004) fulfilling a long-term contractual obligation to the Meadowlands. 2006 and 2008 are in Baltimore.
P.S. Don't downplay the importance of revenue generation; we are a self-sustaining fiscal operation.....we need to pay coaches!
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: This is not a question, but a suggestion or observation. I noticed that many of the home games with Notre Dame are played in the NYC area. I think it would be more of a home advantage if you played the games in Baltimore. The Inner Harbor is a wonderful environment and you would attract many locals to the games. I also agree with your decision to start playing Air Force in Annapolis and not at Fed Ex Field. You are doing a tremendous job and bring a lot to the region with the quality of players and teams that Navy is fielding. THANKS! - asked by: George Economides -
A: Thanks, George. Right now we have 2006 and 2008 versus Notre Dame scheduled in Baltimore. We think alike; thanks for the support.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I have never met or talked to a USNA football player who would rather play a 1AA team than play and lose to a team like Michigan. As a long-time fan, in excess of 45 years, I'm sorry that you feel that playing teams like Northeastern and Delaware enhances the Navy schedule. If all we want are wins, I'm sure that you could schedule Coast Guard or the Merchant Marine Academy also. Why do you feel this downgrading of a 1A schedule necessary? - asked by: CDR Richard Hattings -
A: Answer is simple - - - 8-5 and a Bowl Game in Houston beats 5-8 and shoveling snow off of the sidewalk in Annapolis. A balanced schedule is a smart schedule. With only eight winning seasons in the last 40 years, a little success feels good! Savor the moment.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I know that about a year or two ago, alumni and fans were probably begging for a less competitive football schedule with more IAA teams. However, in light of the team's recent success, scheduling multiple IAA teams could be a detriment in trying to become bowl eligible. As you know, the team will have to go 6-3 in its games against IA competition in 2004. How difficult is it to strike a balance between developing a competitive schedule while at the same time, giving the team a realistic shot at winning six IA games? What traits do you look for in teams that you wish to schedule? Thank you for your time and keep up the good work! - asked by: Joe Menning -
A: Right now, Joe, we believe it's important to win football games. A lot of our alumni would like to see us flex our muscles and take on some of the stronger programs in the country. However, I believe strongly that last year's season was long overdue. Into the future, we'll undoubtedly schedule at least one IAA opponent followed by the traditional rivals that you normally see, that being Air Force, Army, and Notre Dame. After that we'll balance with three or four, what we call BCS-type teams that will give the schedule some credibility and interest. Keep in mind the most important target is a winning season and, hopefully, a post-season reward for the Midshipmen. With so few winning seasons over the last 40 years or so, I really think consistency of winning is the key to solidifying the foundation of this program. Therefore, carefully scheduling in a balanced way that gives us a chance to win every Saturday.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: Why does Navy continue to schedule Notre Dame in football when Navy has not won a gave against ND for 40 years? Navy has come close but still no cigar. - asked by: Bob deHoll -
A: The Notre Dame-Navy series is the longest intersectional rivalry in college football. I don't believe that Navy would ever consider dropping that contest. We have a wonderful relationship with the institution. It brings national exposure to the program, and it seems every year it's a real great, down-to-the-last-minute contest.
Regardless of wins or losses, it's always a pleasure to be association with that fine institution, and it makes for a real exciting opportunity for our midshipmen to compete at a very high national level.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
