Navy football coach Paul Johnson often says the support of the brigade that consistently packs the visitor?s sections as a reason for his team?s success, but that level of support will soon change.
According to a set of new rules ordered by USNA Superintendent Vice Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler, most Midshipmen will not be allowed to travel to road games in all sports, including football, to ensure they are concentrating on their academics and their future military commitment.
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“These changes will facilitate our execution of the Naval Academy?s mission to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of sailors and marines who volunteered to serve their country in a time of war,” said Navy Capt. Margaret Klein, Commandant of Midshipmen, who developed Fowler?s policy changes.
Naval Academy spokesman Michael Brady said the policy changes were not made because of any specific academic or financial concerns, but to make sure the Academy is following its primary objective: Preparing Midshipmen for their postgraduate military commitment during a time when the country is at war.
The new policy will not apply to Navy?s cheerleaders, drum and bugle corps or upper class Midshipmen who have liberty status to leave campus, Brady said. At the Naval Academy, students are given a “liberty,” each semester based on seniority and academic standing, which is the only way they can leave the school grounds without disciplinary action.
“The goal is to remove any distractions and not traveling to away football games is an example of removing such distractions,” Brady said.
Brady said the new policies would not change the tradition of the brigade walking into Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium before home games.
Also, Brady confirmed the brigade will still attend the Army-Navy football game, scheduled for Dec. 1 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
“The superintendent is very pleased with the athletic department and is equally pleased with Coach Johnson and the job he has done,” Brady said. “They will both continue to receive strong support for the superintendent, the brigade of Midshipmen and the entire Naval Academy staff.”
Johnson said he would like to see as many Midshipmen in the stands as possible, but understands the superintendent?s orders. “Anytime we can have Midshipmen at the game it?s a plus because they are loud, spirited and they drive the team,” he said.
