Q: Not a question.....just a note.
Why does the Navy men's lacrosse team not play the U.S. Air Force Academy each year during the regular season? I realize each team is in a different conference, but if we can do it for football, why can't you schedule both Army and Air Force for lacrosse??? - asked by: Stacy Kaucher -
A: Stacy, we've played Air Force in lacrosse on occasion. Right now with the Patriot League being or primary focus, it doesn't leave many openings for non-conference, especially when we have maintained long-standing traditional matchups with Division I power houses right in our backyard. We want to continue to play Maryland, Georgetown, North Carolina, Johns Hopkins, etc. The strength of schedule that comes from these contests is critical in our seeding with regard to the NCAA Tournament. The other issue is that it's an expensive trip for both of us when either Air Force comes to us or we go out there. Having said that, however, I know we're looking at re-engaging the series, and don't be surprised if you see the Falcons on the schedule on a more regular basis in the not too distant future.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I flew up from New Orleans for graduation and the NCAA Lacrosse Tournament and was elated to find that our team made the Final Four. However, I was stunned to see a lack of support on the part of NAAA (at least from my perception) for this accomplishment. There was no Bill, no NAAA spirit pom-poms (or the like), no Brigade section. I realize that we are into summer training, but there are some smart folks there in your office (they got 2000 or so to Houston to even do a march-on for the Houston Bowl) who, I am certain, could have come up with creative solutions to have something there (offer a Mid on restriction some time off to be Bill, get the Mids to delay YP's/Leatherneck by one day and have them there in the new casual uniform, something). Perhaps there were such efforts, and I simply did not observe them. Could you please let me know what was done and what we can do in the future. - asked by: Chris Morton -
A: Chris, I simply have to say that you missed all the action. We had a wonderful turnout from the Brigade. As you may know, it was the largest crowd ever to witness an NCAA National Championship lacrosse game. The semi-final game had also the largest crowd ever to witness a lacrosse game at any level. The ESPN ratings were outstanding, and the positive PR for the Academy was everywhere. It's difficult to compare lacrosse and football in that both have characteristics of pageantry that differ. You wouldn't necessarily do the same activities at a lacrosse game that have become traditional at football games. Nevertheless, between the Johns Hopkins game, Princeton, and Syracuse match ups, the Navy lacrosse fan base, Brigade, and friends may have delivered the most significant statement of support in the history of men's lacrosse. Simply stated, it was the best of all time, and we made a full commitment to support the team and the Navy presence on every front.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
