In the line of action

By Eamon Ducey

Veteran’s Day is an opportunity to remember those who have offered their lives to our country and to show appreciation toward the active members of the armed forces.

We put college athletes on a pedestal when we label them as heroes or warriors. There is no group of students that embodies these qualities as much as the brave young men and women of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Air Force Academy.

These schools compete in NCAA Division I, the most competitive amateur level in the world.

Despite the fact that they are Division I athletes, they have a greater responsibility. They go through both military and officer training during their stay there. They are also required to complete a minimum of two years of service to be deemed an excellent student and a pillar of the community. They also have to get a recommendation from a high-ranking government official, such as a congressman.

The requirements of a cadet narrow down the field of prospective students athletes. Many of the considered blue chippers could be accepted with their high academic standards.

One of America’s most well-known traditions is the Army-Navy football game. This game always sells out and is broadcast on national television every year, regardless of the teams’ records. Fans of the game are allowed in the stadium early so they can watch the cadets march into the stadium and sit down.

When these teams travel to other schools there is usually a boost in attendance. These are major factors why Army and Navy do not belong to a conference. As independents, they can choose to face different opponents so that their national fan base has an opportunity to support these honorable young men.

In 1918, Army won its only football game, the rest of the season was cancelled due to World War II. This was the only time in Army’s history that games were cancelled due to the war.

In the last four years, all games involving these great academic institutions have taken a somber tone. Most of the athletes on the teams knew soldiers who had lost their lives overseas. This is a constant reminder of what it is to be a man or woman of the armed forces.

David Robinson, retired NBA all-star, attended the Naval Academy, despite being able offered millions of dollars to play basketball after college, he completed his services years without protest because he took that much pride in being a naval officer.

Collegiate athletes have been called many things. These athletes are the few brave enough to defend our country, but we should be the proud of them.