Army West Point Athletics
Monday, Feb. 22 - Memory Of A Lifetime
February 22, 2010 | General
Prior to Saturday, the men's basketball team had not defeated arch-rival Navy in the "star game" in eight years, so to see this year's senior class capture the all-important contest and the elusive Alumni Trophy in the process, during their final attempt was a great sight for all of us associated with West Point athletics. Bob Beretta with you this Monday afternoon, taking the reins of the Black Knight Blog following a special Saturday afternoon at West Point.
There is nothing quite like an Army-Navy competition. Discount whenever you hear a coach or an athlete downplay the importance of such a matchup. It simply is not true. If someone were to doubt that fact, all they needed to do was take in the scene that unfolded at jammed-pack Christl Arena Saturday afternoon. It was truly remarkable and extremely emotional for those victorious seniors. A moment that will stand frozen in time with them forever. For those of us in this profession, there is nothing better than seeing our athletes experience such life-changing moments.
All in all, it wasn't a bad weekend for Army's athletic programs. While the men's basketball team beat Navy and claimed the Alumni Trophy for the first time since 2002, Army's indoor men's track and field team earned its 14th Patriot League championship, the men's swimming squad placed third at the conference championships and the baseball and lacrosse teams opened their respective seasons on a positive note to mention just a few of the weekend achievements.
But it is the lasting image of Army's exuberant group of men's basketball seniors, hoisting the Alumni Trophy to the Christl Arena rafters that will remain etched in my soul forever. Eight long years of frustration for the program, four long years of sweat and tears for the seniors, and it all disappeared with an event only collegiate athletics can deliver. Well done by all. And if you were part of the record crowd of 5,163 that witnessed history on a late-winter afternoon at West Point, congratulations, because you are all the better for it. I know I certainly am.
Until next time, be well and GO ARMY!!!
