Each week throughout the college football season, we took a closer look at a marquee college football matchup through the eyes of Team USA athletes, and, with the season drawing to a close, we feature one of sport's great rivalries: the Army-Navy game. We asked a proud alum from each school — Brad Snyder (United States Naval Academy) and Jennifer Schuble (United States Military Academy) — about the rivalry and who they like in Saturday's game.
 @jBradSnyderUSA |
Brad Snyder
Sport: Paralympic Swimming
College: United States Naval Academy
Graduation Year: 2006
How important is this rivalry to alums?
It's by far the most important game of the year! We could lose every game in the regular season, and it wouldn't matter so long as we beat Army!
Aside from the game, it's important for alums because it gives us an excuse to reconnect every year. One of the things I'm looking forward to most about going to the game on Saturday is that I'm sure I'll get the chance to bump into old friends and classmates, and people I deployed with as well. While the rivalry on the field is fierce, both the Army and the Navy are connected and grounded by their common desire and passion to serve. When the game is over, the West Point cadets and alums are just as close friends, brothers and sisters as my fellow Mids and Navy alums.
What is the atmosphere like on game day?
Crazy! And traditionally it's freezing cold! From march on, to the opening kickoff, to the singing of each team's fight song following the game, every person in the crowd and on the field is pouring their hearts into the game, while trying every trick in the book to stay warm! It's an experience like no other I have experienced.
What is your favorite tailgate food?
Grilled bratwurst with all the fixings. It was quite a challenge sometimes to keep my uniform free of mustard...
Best tailgate memory?
As part of the Brigade of Midshipmen, we were often required to forego tailgating for the most part, and instead we marched in formation onto the field before the game. My favorite memories of march-on are always at the Army-Navy game. There is no feeling quite like being down on the field as F-18s rip through the air just overhead...
Final score prediction?
Navy 31, Army 24
Why do you think Navy will win?
Navy has gone toe-to-toe with some of the strongest college teams this season. Had a few plays gone differently, Navy might have put away Ohio State (in the inaugural playoff) and/or Notre Dame, who was certainly in contention for the playoff for a while. Navy runs the triple option as good or better than anyone else in college football, and, oh-by-the-way, the Navy QB can also air it out if the situation demands. I don't think Army stands a chance at stopping the Navy offense, who will absolutely dominate time of possession, and will thus dictate the pace of the game. I only gave Army 24 points because I know they're going to come out fired up, but it won't be enough to top the Navy Midshipmen!!!
 @JenniferSchuble |
Jennifer Schuble
Sport: Paralympic Cycling (at West Point, lettered in soccer, indoor and outdoor track and field)
College: United States Military Academy (later attended University of Alabama for bachelor's and master's degree)
Graduation Year: Member of West Point class of 2000 (attended 1996-1999; accident in hand-to-hand combat resulted in traumatic brain injury)
How important is this rivalry to alums?
This game means everything to West Point and Navy alumni. This is not onlya rivalry game, it’s the service academy version of a bowl game and national championship. You can go 1-11 as long as you beat Navy!
What is the atmosphere like on game day?
The atmosphere is unlike any other college football game. It is mandatory for all cadets and midshipmen to attend the game. We will enter the stadium in the traditional march and have our prisoner exchange in the middle of the field. We all sit in the stands in our assigned companies. The plebes will do a push-up for every point that we score along with howitzer cannons going off.
This is the biggest rivalry of all college football, so the game is always intense! What is one of the most unique traditions in college football is at the end of the Army vs. Navy game: the singing of both schools' alma mater at the end of the game. First, the football teams will face the losing team’s fans and sing their alma mater, then turn to the victorious team and sing that team's alma mater. No one wants to sing first!
What is your favorite tailgate food?
Bratwurst.
Best tailgate memory?
Winning the Commander in Chief’s trophy (trophy awarded to winner of the services academy series between Army, Navy and Air Force) in 1996 when I was Plebe. The corps went crazy after we defeated Navy. After singing the alma maters, President Clinton presented the Commander in Chief’s trophy to Superintendent and the football team on the field. The cadets and alumni were up all night celebrating in Philadelphia. What makes this even more memorable is this is the last time Army has won the Commander in Chief’s trophy.
Final score prediction?
Army 17, Navy 10
Why do you think Army will win?
ARMY! We have a new coach, Jeff Monken, and the team has already shown improvement; we are 4-7 this year. West Point has committed to ending this losing streak. GO ARMY; BEAT NAVY!
