Army West Point Athletics
From the Desk of AD #31
January 22, 2026 | General
Hello Army West Point Community,
Welcome back to another edition of From the Desk of the AD - a platform from my perspective to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with everything happening in Army West Point Athletics and the Army West Point Athletic Association. Through this message, I'll be sharing important department updates, celebrating the accomplishments of our outstanding cadet-athletes, and offering insights into the dynamic world of college athletics. All of this is grounded in the four pillars of our Fruits of Victory strategic plan: Competitive Success, Delivering an Extraordinary Division I Experience, Public Engagement and Revenue Generation, and Sustainability.
I recently returned from the College Football Playoff in Miami, where there was significant discussion around the future structure of the college football calendar - progress is being made, though there is still much to iron out. Back home at West Point, our winter sports seasons are in full stride, our spring teams are back on the practice fields, and yes, there's snow on the ground once again (it builds character). No one has it better than us!
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WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATES
As the winter weather bears down on the Hudson Valley this weekend, our department has made several adjustments to our scheduled athletic events out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our teams, our opponents, our staff, and our fans. Please see the following list of adjusted events:
ARMY LEADS PATRIOT LEAGUE AND SERVICE ACADEMIES IN LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP STANDINGS
The LEARFIELD Directors' Cup program honors four all-sports champions in the NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and Junior/Community Colleges. Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. The overall champion is the institution which has a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men's and women's. So far in the 2025-26 year, Army West Point Athletics has earned 70th place on the final fall standings of the 2025-26 LEARFIELD Directors' Cup Standings. Our Black Knights stand tied with Nebraska while leading both the Patriot League and all service academies in the NCAA Division I standings. This success is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our cadet-athletes, coaching staffs, and entire community at West Point.
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THE ARMY-NAVY GAME PRESENTED BY USAA
As part of one of the most storied rivalries in sports, we are grateful to have the support of the Commander-in-Chief for the Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA. Ross Dellenger, writer for Yahoo Sports, put out a good summary of the latest happenings surrounding the Army-Navy Game and the College Football Playoff structure. We are additionally grateful for the support of American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti towards the traditions of the Army-Navy Game. As the landscape of modern college athletics continues to evolve, we are excited to navigate the opportunities that surround both the historic Army-Navy Game and the College Football Playoffs.
Â
BLACK KNIGHTS IN POSTSEASON ACTION
Army football saw three of its ranks selected to participate in postseason events as the recognitions continue to roll in for the Black Knights. Kalib Fortner competed in the Altrua Hula Bowl on January 10 while Andon Thomas earned an invitation to the College Gridiron Showcase the same weekend. Noah Short joins the list of Black Knights with postseason endeavors as he competes in the American Bowl All Star Game tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FOUNDER'S DAY
I am excited for the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for several Founder's Day events this year! Below are the dates and locations I currently have confirmed. I look forward to engaging with many of you and providing updates from across all disciplines of the Academy.
LACROSSE PROGRAMS PICKING UP PRESEASON RECOGNITIONS
With lacrosse season just around the corner, our men's and women's lacrosse teams have been raking in the recognitions both in the Patriot League and on the national stage. Our men's team ranked first in the Patriot League preseason poll and placed five on the league's preseason team with major awards, USA Lacrosse, and Inside Lacrosse All-American recognitions for Evan Plunkett and Sean Byrne. On the women's side, the Black Knights are ranked third in the Patriot League preseason poll heading into 2026 with four team members on the league's preseason team and preseason major awards for Allison Reilly, Brigid Duffy, and Lindsey Serafine. Duffy and Reilly earned recognition to the USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American teams with Duffy earning further attention as the USA Lacrosse Women's Division I Preseason Midfielder of the Year.
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MEN'S BASKETBALL AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BEST BUCKNELL
Army men's basketball and Army women's basketball put on a show on Wednesday night as both teams took down Patriot League opponent Bucknell. Our women claimed a 64-44 victory in Christl Arena while our men claimed an exciting 87-84 overtime win in Lewisburg. We're ready to cheer our teams on to victory on Saturday as they face Navy in Annapolis at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
TRACK & FIELD IS TAKING OFF
Our indoor track & field teams are in full swing as the team heads out on the road this weekend for a pair of invitational meets. Our Black Knights will compete in the Penn Elite Invitational over Jan. 22-24 and at Columbia's Dr. Sander Collegiate Invite over Jan. 23-24.
Â
100 DAYS TO SANDHURST
The entire United States Military Academy community is gearing up to host the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition this spring. The annual competition tests cadets' military and leadership skills to foster camaraderie through competition. This year's event will be a two-day competition with teams from West Point, Army ROTC units from across the country, military service academies, and international teams from across the globe set to compete.
MORNINGS WITH THE BTO
As incredible as it is to support our cadet-athletes year-round here at West Point, it is always a special day when I get the opportunity to step into the world our cadet-athletes experience in their daily lives. This morning I had the opportunity to step into the ring with the BTO to train with our cadets and share that experience with them.
Â
WRESTLING ON A ROLL
Army wrestling and Class of 1972 Head Men's Wrestling Coach Troy Nickerson earned the team's first official win of the 2025-26 season on Sunday with the team's 22-17 win over American. The dual win opened EIWA action with a bang and we are excited to see what this team does next, starting with their home dual against Bucknell on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.
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DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD
Army West Point's Association of Graduates announced the 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients this week. The annual award recognizes those graduates whose character, distinguished service, and stature algin with the West Point motto "Duty, Honor, Country". Congratulations to this year's winners: Mr. Michael C. Mewhinney '66, COL (R) B. Hudson Berrey '72, Mr. Vincent Viola '77, GEN (R) Vincent K. Brooks '80, GEN (R) Bob Brown '81, and GEN (R) Darryl A. Williams '83.
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ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES' 26TH ANNUAL CLASS RING MEMORIAL PROGRAM
The Army West Point Association of Graduates hosted the 26th annual Class Ring Memorial Program earlier this month in Eisenhower Hall, honoring the donors of West Point class rings that were melded together in a crucible to be used in the forging of new class rings for the Class of 2027.
Â
ARMY-NAVY CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP UPDATEÂ
The 127th Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA, will be played Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available and these offer brands a unique way to support our cadets and the mission of West Point, while having an impactful outward facing presence at one of the most iconic sporting events of our nation -- America's Game! More information on corporate sponsorships is available here.
Â
THANK YOU
I'd ask you to continue to do what you can to support Army West Point Athletics and our cadet-athletes by:
• Planning to attend athletics events and competitions – home and on the road!
• Purchasing season tickets, joining the Army A Club, and becoming a corporate partner
• Wear the colors
• Get others to do the same
Â
BEAT NAVY!
Â
Tom Theodorakis
Director of Athletics
Army West Point
Email: AthleticDirector@WestPoint.edu
X: @TT_Army_AD
Welcome back to another edition of From the Desk of the AD - a platform from my perspective to keep you informed, engaged, and connected with everything happening in Army West Point Athletics and the Army West Point Athletic Association. Through this message, I'll be sharing important department updates, celebrating the accomplishments of our outstanding cadet-athletes, and offering insights into the dynamic world of college athletics. All of this is grounded in the four pillars of our Fruits of Victory strategic plan: Competitive Success, Delivering an Extraordinary Division I Experience, Public Engagement and Revenue Generation, and Sustainability.
I recently returned from the College Football Playoff in Miami, where there was significant discussion around the future structure of the college football calendar - progress is being made, though there is still much to iron out. Back home at West Point, our winter sports seasons are in full stride, our spring teams are back on the practice fields, and yes, there's snow on the ground once again (it builds character). No one has it better than us!
Â
WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATES
As the winter weather bears down on the Hudson Valley this weekend, our department has made several adjustments to our scheduled athletic events out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our teams, our opponents, our staff, and our fans. Please see the following list of adjusted events:
- Hockey: 1/24 vs. RMC – Canceled
- Men's Tennis: 1/23 vs. Pratt CC – Rescheduled to 1/22 at 5:30 p.m. ET
- Women's Tennis: 1/24 vs. Villanova – Rescheduled to 1/23 at 3 p.m. ET
- Women's Tennis: 1/24 vs. St. Bonaventure – Rescheduled to 1/24 at 9 a.m. ET
- Men's Tennis: 1/23 vs. St. Bonaventure – Rescheduled to 1/24 at 12 p.m. ET
- Wrestling: 1/25 vs. Bucknell – Rescheduled to 1/24 at 2 p.m. ET
- Women's Tennis: 1/23 vs. Sacred Heart – Rescheduled to 1/24 at 3 p.m. ET
- Men's Tennis: 1/25 vs. Sacred Heart – Rescheduled to 1/24 at 6 p.m. ET
- Gymnastics: 1/24 vs. Simpson – Rescheduled to 2/21
ARMY LEADS PATRIOT LEAGUE AND SERVICE ACADEMIES IN LEARFIELD DIRECTORS' CUP STANDINGS
The LEARFIELD Directors' Cup program honors four all-sports champions in the NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and Junior/Community Colleges. Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. The overall champion is the institution which has a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men's and women's. So far in the 2025-26 year, Army West Point Athletics has earned 70th place on the final fall standings of the 2025-26 LEARFIELD Directors' Cup Standings. Our Black Knights stand tied with Nebraska while leading both the Patriot League and all service academies in the NCAA Division I standings. This success is a testament to the dedicated efforts of our cadet-athletes, coaching staffs, and entire community at West Point.
Black Knights 70th on the final Fall Learfield Directors' Cup Standings, leading the Patriot League.#GoArmyhttps://t.co/ei6oXe1Lbe
— ArmyWestPoint Sports (@GoArmyWestPoint) January 22, 2026
Â
THE ARMY-NAVY GAME PRESENTED BY USAA
As part of one of the most storied rivalries in sports, we are grateful to have the support of the Commander-in-Chief for the Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA. Ross Dellenger, writer for Yahoo Sports, put out a good summary of the latest happenings surrounding the Army-Navy Game and the College Football Playoff structure. We are additionally grateful for the support of American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti towards the traditions of the Army-Navy Game. As the landscape of modern college athletics continues to evolve, we are excited to navigate the opportunities that surround both the historic Army-Navy Game and the College Football Playoffs.
Official statement from Commissioner Tim Pernetti#BuiltToRise pic.twitter.com/rWMg8BLuxH
— The American (@American_Conf) January 18, 2026
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BLACK KNIGHTS IN POSTSEASON ACTION
Army football saw three of its ranks selected to participate in postseason events as the recognitions continue to roll in for the Black Knights. Kalib Fortner competed in the Altrua Hula Bowl on January 10 while Andon Thomas earned an invitation to the College Gridiron Showcase the same weekend. Noah Short joins the list of Black Knights with postseason endeavors as he competes in the American Bowl All Star Game tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
Noah Short to play in @TheAmericanBowl on Jan. 22 on @nflnetwork at 8 PM ??
— Army Football (@ArmyWP_Football) January 15, 2026
? https://t.co/YgD4I9INim pic.twitter.com/XuhBotFJEo
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FOUNDER'S DAY
I am excited for the opportunity to be the keynote speaker for several Founder's Day events this year! Below are the dates and locations I currently have confirmed. I look forward to engaging with many of you and providing updates from across all disciplines of the Academy.
- March 6 – Colorado Springs, CO
- March 7 – Denver, CO
- March 13 – San Diego, CA
- March 14 – Orange County, CA
- March 15 – Los Angeles, CA
- March 19 – Naples, FL
- March 28 – Huntsville, AL
- April 17 – Chicago, IL
LACROSSE PROGRAMS PICKING UP PRESEASON RECOGNITIONS
With lacrosse season just around the corner, our men's and women's lacrosse teams have been raking in the recognitions both in the Patriot League and on the national stage. Our men's team ranked first in the Patriot League preseason poll and placed five on the league's preseason team with major awards, USA Lacrosse, and Inside Lacrosse All-American recognitions for Evan Plunkett and Sean Byrne. On the women's side, the Black Knights are ranked third in the Patriot League preseason poll heading into 2026 with four team members on the league's preseason team and preseason major awards for Allison Reilly, Brigid Duffy, and Lindsey Serafine. Duffy and Reilly earned recognition to the USA Lacrosse Preseason All-American teams with Duffy earning further attention as the USA Lacrosse Women's Division I Preseason Midfielder of the Year.
Â
MEN'S BASKETBALL AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL BEST BUCKNELL
Army men's basketball and Army women's basketball put on a show on Wednesday night as both teams took down Patriot League opponent Bucknell. Our women claimed a 64-44 victory in Christl Arena while our men claimed an exciting 87-84 overtime win in Lewisburg. We're ready to cheer our teams on to victory on Saturday as they face Navy in Annapolis at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
JACKSON?? FURMAN??
— Army Men's Basketball (@ArmyWP_MBB) January 22, 2026
??: https://t.co/PzknXj1Ncf
??: https://t.co/ZI6tTfb98T#TTD || #GoArmy || @espn || @PatriotLeague pic.twitter.com/MdOUdK49Jx
TRACK & FIELD IS TAKING OFF
Our indoor track & field teams are in full swing as the team heads out on the road this weekend for a pair of invitational meets. Our Black Knights will compete in the Penn Elite Invitational over Jan. 22-24 and at Columbia's Dr. Sander Collegiate Invite over Jan. 23-24.
Â
100 DAYS TO SANDHURST
The entire United States Military Academy community is gearing up to host the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition this spring. The annual competition tests cadets' military and leadership skills to foster camaraderie through competition. This year's event will be a two-day competition with teams from West Point, Army ROTC units from across the country, military service academies, and international teams from across the globe set to compete.
100 days until #Sandhurst. ? pic.twitter.com/VvSBuUv3cF
— U.S. Military Academy at West Point (@WestPoint_USMA) January 21, 2026
MORNINGS WITH THE BTO
As incredible as it is to support our cadet-athletes year-round here at West Point, it is always a special day when I get the opportunity to step into the world our cadet-athletes experience in their daily lives. This morning I had the opportunity to step into the ring with the BTO to train with our cadets and share that experience with them.
Took some punches from the BTO this morning at boxing ??
— Tom Theodorakis (@TT_Army_AD) January 22, 2026
Training with cadets - nothing better.
Only at #WestPoint pic.twitter.com/NAWuS6sZIh
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WRESTLING ON A ROLL
Army wrestling and Class of 1972 Head Men's Wrestling Coach Troy Nickerson earned the team's first official win of the 2025-26 season on Sunday with the team's 22-17 win over American. The dual win opened EIWA action with a bang and we are excited to see what this team does next, starting with their home dual against Bucknell on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.
Â
DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE AWARD
Army West Point's Association of Graduates announced the 2026 Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients this week. The annual award recognizes those graduates whose character, distinguished service, and stature algin with the West Point motto "Duty, Honor, Country". Congratulations to this year's winners: Mr. Michael C. Mewhinney '66, COL (R) B. Hudson Berrey '72, Mr. Vincent Viola '77, GEN (R) Vincent K. Brooks '80, GEN (R) Bob Brown '81, and GEN (R) Darryl A. Williams '83.
We are pleased to announce the DGA recipients for 2026.
— West Point AOG (@WPAOG) January 21, 2026
Join us in congratulating these outstanding members of the Long Gray Line who embody the highest ideals of leadership, service and character in keeping with our motto: Duty Honor Country.
?? https://t.co/ViSQJr42Dl pic.twitter.com/ITChKK6nrC
Â
ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES' 26TH ANNUAL CLASS RING MEMORIAL PROGRAM
The Army West Point Association of Graduates hosted the 26th annual Class Ring Memorial Program earlier this month in Eisenhower Hall, honoring the donors of West Point class rings that were melded together in a crucible to be used in the forging of new class rings for the Class of 2027.
?? Forging A Legacy ??
— West Point AOG (@WPAOG) January 9, 2026
Today, 67 #WestPoint Class Rings, each a symbol of duty and sacrifice, were donated during the WPAOG #RingMelt Ceremony. Their gold will live on in the Class of 2027's rings, linking past service to future leadership. pic.twitter.com/FKyAra3nT7
Â
ARMY-NAVY CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP UPDATEÂ
The 127th Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA, will be played Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium just outside of New York City. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available and these offer brands a unique way to support our cadets and the mission of West Point, while having an impactful outward facing presence at one of the most iconic sporting events of our nation -- America's Game! More information on corporate sponsorships is available here.
Â
THANK YOU
I'd ask you to continue to do what you can to support Army West Point Athletics and our cadet-athletes by:
• Planning to attend athletics events and competitions – home and on the road!
• Purchasing season tickets, joining the Army A Club, and becoming a corporate partner
• Wear the colors
• Get others to do the same
Â
BEAT NAVY!
Â
Tom Theodorakis
Director of Athletics
Army West Point
Email: AthleticDirector@WestPoint.edu
X: @TT_Army_AD
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