Q: Stadium Question: It's always good to see Navy play in high-profile NFL stadiums, but playing at home would be better when playing against high-profile teams like Notre Dame. Will we ever build a stadium that holds 65,000-plus people in the future? (Both Army and Air Force can hold Notre Dame better than we can.)
Next Question -Scheduling: I notice that you schedule teams that you think are right, which is good, but being a Navy fan I am tired of every year we have a schedule that people around the world say our slate is weak. The future schedules are already done for 2008, but will we play any high-profile teams other than Notre Dame? I know you want Navy to have a chance, but recruiting can't be just on Army and playing Notre Dame. Even if we lose in a game to Florida or Michigan, we still showed we can be a big national team.
Last Question - BCS Chances: We know Navy won't be looked at due to the schedule, and we don't have a chance of being in one unless we beat Stanford or Notre Dame. How can you improve our chances for a BSC shot for the future? Your job shouldn't be just regular bowl games; it should be BCS, BCS, BCS. Navy is on the up-and-up, and we can't recruit a player like Staubach without BCS chances. You've done such a great job with the Navy Football Program, but I want to remember you as the AD who made Navy a close to being a BCS power house. I know joining a conference is out of the question, but give the fans one or the other. We need one of those. Thanks. - asked by: Shaun Lyons -
A: Shaun, you asked some interesting questions, and let me try to be as clear as possible. First, it would be difficult to manage a facility in Annapolis that is much larger than the 34,000 seats we currently have. The roadway infrastructure and parking could not support a 65,000-seat stadium. We've discussed this with the city, and it doesn't appear to be practical. Obviously, our ability to use M&T Bank Stadium as a home venue eliminates the need for us to spend another $40M on our facility and probably create a gridlock that would be our worst nightmare. Your second point regarding the schedule is an easy one to answer. If we were to finish in the top 12 in the nation, we would be eligible for BCS involvement. And who knows, some day that may happen, but to those who complain about the schedule at Navy, simply remind them of what our goals continue to be. The Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, a winning season, and a post-season bowl game. There's no way that we're taking our eye off the target. We're enjoying ourselves; we're winning games; we're selling tickets; we've got tremendous corporate involvement; we've got a national TV package that may be second only to Notre Dame; and we've got tremendous visibility in bowl circles. We're not greedy, we're not unrealistic, and we understand what is practical for the United States Naval Academy. It helps us meet all of our objectives, including providing our head coach every opportunity to be successful and feel good about his relationship with this institution. Anyone who thinks we are going to over-schedule this football program so we can walk around just to flex our muscles and pump up our chest, has little idea about what it takes to succeed as an Independent. Remember, we've remained Independent by choice so that we can control our destiny, set our table for success, enjoy the accomplishments I've mentioned, garner the national attention that's comes with our post-season play, and keep our alumni smiling.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: No questions, just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your efforts in bringing Navy athletics back to something. I, for one, am very proud as an alumni ('76) and former varsity football player. As a team back in the 70's, we played with a great deal of pride. I always felt we were the model of effort for teams that followed. I can tell you that watching the current team reminds me of years past. I am so proud of the effort that they put forth on the field. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the wins, but the way they play and carry themselves is exceptional. It is how a Navy team should be and all of your efforts are paying off. Great job!
Semper Fi. Beat Army...again! - asked by: Lenny Mokan `76 -
A: Thanks, Lenny, for the wonderful note of support. I appreciate it, and we're highly motivated to keep our alums and loyal fans pleased with the progress of the programs. Keep the faith and your enthusiasm.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
Q: I don't have a question for you but rather a comment. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you've done for Navy football. Your leadership and decision making has pumped a breath of fresh air into the program. I was a 2000 graduate of the Academy and witnessed the glory years of Navy football. In those years, we were practically in every game and the level of effort and passion was unparalleled. I am still in the Navy out in San Diego and believe that the hiring of Coach Johnson is what will take Navy back to that level. From the moment he took over last year, you could see the difference in the attitudes of the players. Though we still have a long way to go, I think Coach Johnson is the one to lead us there. In my opinion, Navy has the capability to be a competitive top 30 to top 40 team every year and fight for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. Coach Johnson has instilled into his players an attitude that "We" won't be pushed around and that there is no such thing as a moral victory. His reaction to the TCU loss was right on the mark. Instead of saying I'm glad we played well, he stated that we should have won the game. Moral victories are for the fans. Win or lose, I couldn't be prouder of the Navy Football Program. Thanks again. - asked by: Michael Harmon -
A: Mike, thanks for your comments, and we appreciate your support.
Coach Johnson has done a fantastic job. We are excited about the progress that is being made with the football program, and we look forward to many successful years.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
