Navy Sports

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 7:13am

For Immediate Release
Friday, April 18, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Maggart (410) 293-8771

Navys Hunter Selected ECAC Field Athlete of the Week

CENTERVILLE, Mass. Two days after earning Patriot League Field Athlete-of-the-Week kudos, Navy mens track & field thrower Darryl Hunter (Sr./Des Moines, Iowa) has been recognized as the ECAC Field Athlete of the Week, it was announced by the conference office on Friday morning.

This is the first time this outdoor season and marks the second occasion during his career that Hunter has earned ECAC Field Athlete-of-the Week distinction. Hunter is the second Navy competitor to be honored by the ECAC this season, as Paul Harris (Sr./Fairburn, Ga.) was named the conferences track athlete-of-the-week on March 27.

Hunter won the shot put with a regional-qualifying toss of 57’1/4" (17.38 meters), nearly one foot longer than his previous career-best performance. Later in the meet during the discus throw, he uncorked a career-long 170’2" (51.88 meters) to earn a spot in the regional championship.

With the help of Hunter, Navy rolled to a convincing 118-85 victory over Army in the annual Star Meet last Friday. The 33-point margin of victory is the largest for either team since the dual-scoring system was changed one decade ago.

The Midshipmen (10-0) will return to action on April 24-26, when they head to the prestigious Penn Relays at Franklin Field.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 7:18am

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published April 18, 2008

Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo entered spring football practice with several questions. Four weeks later, Niumatalolo thinks he’s found some answers. Navy had holes to fill at slot back, wide receiver and four line positions on offense. Starters need to be replaced at end, inside linebacker and outside linebacker on defense. After 12 practices and two intrasquad scrimmages, players have emerged at all those spots.

Perhaps the most important problem on offense was at center, where Navy had to replace a standout performer in Antron Harper. Niumatalolo moved tackle Ricky Moore and nose guard Andy Lark to that position and felt both players made progress.

Moore, who will be a senior next season, will enter August camp as the clear-cut starter. The 6-foot-4, 283-pounder picked up the nuances of snapping and blocking fairly quickly then made steady progress. Lark (6-0, 290), one of the strongest players on the team, missed the first couple weeks of camp with an injury, but showed potential once he returned.

“The biggest question was center and I feel good about that spot coming out of spring,” Niumatalolo said. “Ricky Moore showed he could handle the job and we liked what we saw out of Andy Lark when he was out there.”

Austin Milke maintained a hold on the first string job at left tackle after a spirited battle with Sander Gossard while Curtis Bass solidified his status as the starting right guard.

Navy lost both starting slot backs, but had an extremely experienced player returning at the position in Shun White. There has been good competition for the starting job at the other slot with Greg Shinego remaining atop the depth chart throughout the spring. Current plebe Andre Byrd was listed second on the latest depth chart while rising sophomores Bobby Doyle and Cory Finnerty are still very much in the mix.

“Andre Byrd had a great spring. I have been really encouraged by Andre,” Niumatalolo said. “Shinego also had a great camp while Finnerty and Greg Jones showed they can play. Doyle is always solid, works hard and just does his job. I feel good about the group as a whole.”

Backup quarterback Jarod Bryant looked good when he took repetitions at slot back, but probably will not move to that position full-time in the fall. That is due largely to the fact promising freshman quarterback Ricky Dobbs still needs seasoning.

“(Dobbs) has a long way to go. He’s not ready for prime time. He’s a talented young man, a great kid. We’re excited about his future, but right now he’s not ready yet. He’s just inexperienced,” Niumatalolo said.

Navy must find a new starting receiver to replace the departed O.J. Washington. Greg Sudderth was listed No. 1 on the depth chart even though he did not practice all spring. Sudderth was extended academically and is seeking a fifth year of eligibility from the NCAA.

Meanwhile, Curtis Sharp primarily ran with the starters during camp while T.J. Thiel, Mario Washington and Mike Schupp all showed promise at times.

There was stiff competition to determine the backup fullback behind Eric Kettani with rising sophomore Kevin Campbell getting the nod over emerging plebe Vince Murray.

“(Campbell) is tough as nails. It seems like every time he carries the ball he’s going north and south. He’s not a breakaway threat, but is always gaining positive yards,” Niumatalolo said. “(Murray) is a big guy who runs hard and has nimble feet. He showed an ability to make people miss, which I didn’t know he had.”

Craig Schaefer had a superb spring and vaulted to the top of the depth chart at the outside linebacker position vacated by Matt Wimsatt. Schaefer (6-2, 215), who primarily played special teams in 2007, is a leading candidate to receive the Admiral Mack Award as the most improved player during spring practice.

“Schaefer is a hard-working kid who is big, strong and fast. He made an awful lot of plays during scrimmages and really showed he’s ready to be a regular,” Niumatalolo said.

Matt Nechak was used at end in pass rushing situations toward the end of last season and showed during camp that he could become the full-time starter at that position. Niumatalolo was pleased with the performance of all three projected starters along the line, noting that nose guard Nate Frazier and left end Michael Walsh were both very productive throughout camp.

Soon-to-be senior Clint Sovie returned from injury and quickly reclaimed his starting spot at inside linebacker while rising freshman free safety Wyatt Middleton was the most impressive performer in the secondary.

Kyle Delahooke, who will be a sophomore next season, came out of camp as the starting punter.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 7:26am

DAILY RECORD (Penn.) APRIL 18, 2008

By Nichole Dobo
Terrence Roberts – one of the nine students who integrated Little Rock Central High School in 1954 after the Brown v. Board of Education case – said York County should always look for ways to improve the community.

“When you know you are doing right, you can always find ways to move forward,” he said.

Roberts spoke Thursday at the Yorktowne Hotel during the YorkCounts Annual Summit, as did a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy. Both men said education is the key to success.

The theme for the YorkCounts event was “Educational Opportunities for All,” and 45 area high school students were honored for academic achievement, school leadership and community contributions.

Midshipman 1st Class Zerbin Singleton, a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., encouraged students to continue their education. He read a poem he wrote in the beat of a rap. This is the ending:

“Overcome our past, because today you can begin
To save a child, educate a man
Live by example and teach the right ways
Here’s a paintbrush, paint a masterpiece, for no pay.”

The crowd gave him a standing ovation after the reading.

Singleton also shared the story of his life as the son of a single mother. He said he was born addicted to crack, and during his childhood, he was homeless at times and exposed to drugs and domestic violence.

The way out of that life was working hard in school, Singleton said. The aspiring astronaut is set to graduate this year with an aerospace engineering degree, and he was elected by his classmates to be a brigade commander, which is the equivalent to class president.

“In the end, you determine your fate,” Singleton said.

Latisha Murray, a 17-year-old William Penn senior, said she wishes Roberts and Singleton could come to her school for a day. Her classmates would be able to connect with Singleton because he is young and overcame hardships they can relate to, she said.

Too often, the focus is on “the city’s problems and William Penn drama,” said Charissa Moye, an 18-year-old William Penn senior. After considering what Roberts and Singleton lived through, those problems seem surmountable, she said.

“They were very inspirational,” Murray said. “It just makes you think about all the opportunities we have.”

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 7:31am

For Immediate Release
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wrestling Contact: Stacie Michaud (410) 293-8773

Three Midshipmen Place at University Nationals

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Navy’s Joel Ahern (Herkimer, N.Y.) finished as the freestyle runner-up at 70 kg (154.5 pounds) at the ASICS University Nationals last weekend in Akron, Ohio. Additionally, Bryce Saddoris (Spring Creek, Nev.) finished fourth at 66 kg (145.5 pounds) and Scott Steele (Baltimore, Md.) placed seventh at 120 kg (264.5 pounds), with Joey Breen (Pasadena, Md.), Matt DeMichiel (Whitesboro, N.Y.), Robby Neill (Brick, N.J.), Matt Reck (Stafford, Va.) and Glenn Shober (Reading, Pa.) also participating at the event. All eight grapplers wrestled freestyle for the Naval Academy Wrestling Club in the two-day tournament.

Ahern, who battled injuries throughout the regular season and finished his junior competition year with a 12-6 record, won five matches en route to earning a spot in the title bout. He opened the tournament with a 2-0, 3-1 victory over Jared Rickert (Minnesota) before taking a 2-1 decision (4-0, 0-5, 3-0) over Binghamton’s Ryan McGarity. He followed up by shutting out Chip Powell from Appalachian State, 4-0, 6-0, defeated UNC Greensboro’s Andrew Saunders, 1-1, 1-0 and beat PJ Gillespie. Ahern’s title hopes were cut short, however, by Minnesota’s Tyler Safratowich (28-10 at 165 pounds), 3-0, 1-0.

Saddoris, a rookie who was one of five Navy wrestlers to qualify for the NCAA Tournament this spring, turned in a 7-2 record to finish fourth. He won his first four matches of the tournament, including three sweeps against Justin Tortora (7-0, 2-0), Ryan Cubberly (3-0, 6-0) and Kelly Felix (1-0, 3-0). Saddoris, however, was stopped in the quarterfinals by Maryland’s Alex Krom who earned a 1-1, 2-1 decision. Saddoris regrouped and came back to win three in a row in the consolation bracket which featured a pin against Virginia’s Shawn Harris to work his way back into the third-place match. It was there that he would once again face Krom and unfortunately dropped a 1-0, 2-0 decision to place fourth.

Like Saddoris, Steele also was tripped up in the quarterfinals, dropping a 1-0, 1-0 decision to Iowa State’s David Zabriskie. Steele came back to defeat Oregon’s Charlie Alexander, 7-0, 3-0 in the consolation bracket before Konrad Duziak (NYAC) denied him, 3-3, 1-0. Steele, who produced a 20-4 record this year at heavyweight, faced Penn State’s John Laboranti in the seventh-place match where he claimed a 1-0, 1-0 win.

While the remaining Navy participants (4 freshmen, 1 sophomore) did not place, they gained valuable experience against some of the premier collegiate wrestlers. In fact, Shober, a two-year standout for the Mids, turned in a 3-2 record, losing to Bryan Ousna (Do Work) and Mike Kessler (Blue Ridge WC) who placed first and third in the tournament.

By virtue of their placement at the University Nationals, Ahern, Saddoris and Steele have qualified for the University World Team Trials in Colorado Springs, Colo. slated for May 23-24 at the Olympic Training Center.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 7:37am

For: Immediate Release
Sent: April 18, 2008
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775

Blue Defeats Gold, 14-0, In Annual Blue-Gold Game

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Jarod Bryant rushed for 30 yards and a touchdown and completed all three of his pass attempts for 66 yards to lead the Blue to a 14-0 victory over the Gold in Navy’s annual spring football game. The game was played in a brisk 1:18 thanks to 12- minute quarters in the first half and 10-minute quarters with a running clock in the second half.

“Our two main goals tonight were accomplished. Navy won the game and nobody got hurt,” said Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo. “I thought the Blue team, especially on offense, just came out and punched the clock tonight. I thought the Gold team played very hard.”

Bryant led the Blue team on a 65-yard scoring drive on the first series of the game, capping the drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The key play on the drive was a 25-yard pass from Bryant to Shun White that took the ball down to the one-yard line. Bryant scored on the next play.

The Blue offense was stymied after the initial series as the Gold defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. Rising sophomores Trey Grissom and Tyler Simmons wore out the Blue offensive line with a combined 16 tackles in the first half. Grissom, who enters next fall second on the depth chart with Travis Sudderth at outside linebacker, recorded eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack in the first half and added another tackle and a fumble recovery in the second half. Simmons, who stands second at inside linebacker entering the fall, had eight first-half tackles.

“Trey Grissom and Tyler Simmons have promising futures for us,” said Niumatalolo. “I thought they both did a good job of flying around the football.”

The game remained 7-0 until late in the fourth quarter when third-string quarterback Ricky Dobbs broke off a 32-yard run down the right sideline. Dobbs broke several tackles and made several others miss until he was knocked out of bounds at the three-yard line. Three plays later Andre Byrd scored on a pitch around left end from the four-yard line to give the Blue the final margin of 14-0.

“Ricky had a nice run at the end, but he still needs to take care of the football,” said Niumatalolo. “That being said, he has a bright future here.”

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:44am

For Immediate Release
Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Women’s Rowing Team Sweeps Georgetown

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Navy boats placed first and second in all three races as the women’s rowing team swept Georgetown, Saturday morning on the Severn River in Annapolis.

A great start by Navy’s first varsity boat allowed the Mids to open a one-length advantage very early in the race. The crew would eventually cross the finish line in a winning time of 6:51, with Navy’s second varsity boat following in second place nine seconds later. The Georgetown entry would complete the race in a time of 7:04.

“We have worked all year on putting together a good start and we had our best one of the season today,” said Navy head coach Mike Hughes.

Navy’s next race will be April 27 when the Mids compete in the Patriot League Championship in Pennsauken, N.J. After winning the inaugural league title in 2005, Navy has placed second to Bucknell in each of the last two years in both the first varsity race and in the overall points tabulation between the teams.

“You always want to be racing at your best when it is time for a championship regatta,” said Hughes. “We have been improving all season long and I feel we can make necessary further improvements in order for us to be at our best next week.”

Varsity 8
Navy (1V), 6:51.0; Navy (2V), 7:00.0; Georgetown, 7:04.0
Varsity 4
Navy (A), 8:03.55; Navy (B), 8:17.72; Georgetown (A), 8:21.56; Navy (C), 8:32.85; Georgetown (B), 8:59.65
Novice 8
Navy (A), 7:18.36; Navy (B), 7:28.0; Georgetown, 7:43.0

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:45am

For: Immediate Release
Sent: April 18, 2008
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775

Jarod Bryant And Clint Sovie Elected 2008 Football Team Captains

ANNAPOLIS, Md.- Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo announced Friday night at halftime of the spring football game that quarterback/slot back Jarod Bryant (Hoover, Ala.) and linebacker Clint Sovie (Jacksonville, Fla.) have been elected team captains for the 2008 football season by their
teammates.

“It’s a great honor for Jarod and Clint to be elected team captains and I know they will do a great job” said Niumatalolo. “They both have performed exceptionally well during spring drills and they have emerged as two of our
best leaders. I have confidence that our entire senior class will provide great leadership on the field, in the classroom and in Bancroft Hall.”

“I was surprised,” said Bryant. “I never dreamed that I would be named team captain. I am truly honored”

“I was shocked when they announced that I was team captain,” said Sovie. “I could name two or three guys that I thought would get the spot over me. I am truly honored to be named a team captain. I don’t know what else to say. Words can’t explain how honored I am.”

Bryant played in 10 games last fall, earning one start. He completed 17 of his 31 pass attempts for 252 yards and rushed for 464 yards and five touchdowns on 94 carries. Bryant rushed for 77 yards on 13 carries when he came off the bench in the third quarter against Ball State in a 34-31
overtime loss and then came back the following week and engineered a fourth quarter come-from-behind win over Duke (46-43). Against the Blue Devils, Bryant helped erase an 11-point, fourth quarter deficit by guiding the offense to 175 yards, two field goals and a touchdown in the final stanza.
He rushed for 69 yards on 14 carries, including a 35-yard run on the final drive of the game that set up Joey Bullen’s game-winning field goal. He also caught a five-yard touchdown pass from slot back Bobby Doyle against the Blue Devils that pulled Navy to within two points and then ran in the two-point conversion that tied the game at 43. Bryant completed a
career-high eight of 11 pass attempts for 126 yards against Delaware and rushed for a career-high 139 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in his second-career start against Northern Illinois.

Sovie started the first two games last fall before suffering a season-ending left ankle injury in the first quarter of the Rutgers game. He was credited with a career-high 10 tackles in the season-opening victory over Temple. In 2006, Sovie played in all 13 games and earned nine starts. He recorded 61
tackles, picked off two passes and broke up four more. Sovie earned his first-career start in the season-opener in 2006, recording eight tackles against East Carolina. He had a season-high nine stops against UMass and picked off passes against Eastern Michigan and Boston College.

Season tickets are on sale at [NavySports.com</a> - Official Athletic Site for Navy Athletics](<a href=“http://www.navysports.com%5DNavySports.com”>http://www.navysports.com) or by calling
1-800-US4-NAVY. Navy’s season- opener is Saturday, August 30 against Towson. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:47am

For: Immediate Release
Sent: April 18, 2008
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775

Schaefer Wins Admiral Mack Award

ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Junior outside linebacker Craig Schaefer (Fairfax, Va.) was named the winner of the Vice Admiral William P. Mack Award at halftime of Friday’s annual Blue-Gold football game.

The Admiral Mack Award is given to the player voted by the coaching staff as the most improved player during spring football drills. Schaefer is the first outside linebacker to win the award in its 33 years of existence. Offensive tackle Paul Bridgers won the award last year.

“Craig Schaefer had a phenomenal spring camp, he was by far the biggest surprise,” said Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo. “We were looking for guys that can come off the edge and get some pressure on the quarterback and he did a great job with that this spring. Last year he was a young guy
trying to learn the schemes. Now he is more confident in what he’s doing and he¹s flying around the football.”

“It is exciting to win this award,” said Schaefer. “I put a lot of hard work in during the offseason and during spring practice and it’s nice to get some recognition for it. Playing special teams last year gave me a lot of confidence and it was a good steppingstone for the fall.”

Schaefer saw action in all 13 games last fall, mostly on special teams, for a Navy team that posted an 8-5 record and won a fifth-consecutive Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy.

Schaefer earned four letters in football and one each in lacrosse and swimming at Robinson Secondary School. As a senior, he was named the district player of the year.

The award was initiated in 1976 and is named in honor of Vice Admiral William P. Mack, the Naval Academy superintendent from 1972-75, who was a strong supporter of the school’s intercollegiate athletic program.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:48am

For Immediate Release
Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Syracuse Wins Third-Straight Goes Trophy Race

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Syracuse won the varsity race by 1.4 seconds over Navy and 7.2 seconds over Cornell to win the Goes Trophy Race between the three heavyweight rowing teams for a third-straight year, Saturday on Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca, N.Y. It marks the first time since the Goes Trophy Race was established in 1955 that the Orange have won the race in three consecutive seasons.

Syracuse tallied a time of 5:40.9 to win the varsity race, with Navy finishing in second place with a time of 5:42.3 and Cornell placing third with a clocking of 5:58.1.

“It was a hot race,” said Navy head coach Rick Clothier. “The lead went back and forth between Navy and Syracuse over the entire course. The difference in the race was in the last 30 strokes when Syracuse put together a stronger sprint. We are disappointed with that result, but we can be very pleased with beating a talented Cornell crew by nearly six seconds.”

Navy would place third behind Cornell and Syracuse in both the second varsity and second freshman races, as well as second behind the Orange in the first freshman race. With the results, Syracuse also claimed possession of the Stag Trophy, which is presented to the team compiling the most team points on the day. The Mids and the Big Red tied for second place in the Stag Trophy standings.

Navy’s varsity boat will take to the water again Sunday morning when the Mids face Columbia in Princeton, N.J., for the Maxwell Stevenson Trophy. The remainder of the Navy and Columbia crews will compete against each other in early May.

“This will be a challenge for us,” said Clothier of having to race again Sunday after a close loss. “Columbia has a very good crew that beat Yale today, so we will have to quickly put today behind us.”

First Varsity 8 (Goes Trophy Race)
Syracuse, 5:40.9; Navy, 5:42.3; Cornell, 5:48.1
Second Varsity 8
Cornell, 5:52.5; Syracuse, 5:56.4; Navy, 6:08.4
First Freshman 8
Syracuse, 5:51.8; Navy, 5:54.9; Cornell, 5:58.6
Second Freshman 8
Cornell, no time; Syracuse, -2.9 seconds; Navy, -7.56 seconds
Stag Trophy Standings
Syracuse, first, Navy and Cornell, tied for second

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:50am

For Immediate Release
Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Lightweight Rowing Team Wins Varsity Race Over Delaware

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy lightweight rowing team won the varsity race and three of the four additional races the Mids contested against Delaware, Saturday morning on the Severn River in Annapolis, Md.

Navy’s varsity boat posted a time of 6:07.6 to finish 17 seconds ahead of the Delaware entry (6:24.5). Navy boats also placed both first and second in the second varsity race, first and third in the second freshman race and won the two-boat varsity four contest.

Delaware’s lone win over the five races was in the first freshman flight where the Blue Hens edged Navy by 1.6 seconds.

“I feel our varsity, second varsity and third varsity boats all had solid races today,” said Navy head coach Rob Friedrich. “We knew coming into the race that Delaware had a very strong freshman boat and they displayed their strength today. They may be the fastest freshman boat we have seen all year. It was a tight race the entire length of the course.”

The Mids will close their regular season April 26 when Navy plays host to Harvard and Georgetown. The varsity race between the Mids and the Crimson is for the Haines Cup.

“We are excited about the opportunity ahead of us next weekend when we face Harvard and Georgetown,” said Friedrich. “We want to end our regular season on a high note, which means we will need to have a good week of practice.”

First Varsity 8
Navy 6:07.6; Delaware, 6:24.5
Second Varsity 8
Navy (2V), 6:12.8; Navy (3V), 6:22.8; Delaware, 6:31.2
Varsity 4
Navy, 7:46.7; Delaware, 7:59.4
First Freshman 8
Delaware, 6:19.3; Navy, 6:20.9
Second Freshman 8
Navy (2F), 6:42.7; Delaware, 6:54.9; Navy (3F), 6:57.4

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:51am

For Immediate Release
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Maggart (410) 293-8771

Navy Takes Two at Bucknell on Saturday

LEWISBURG, Pa. Navy starting pitcher Mitch Harris (Sr./Mt. Holly, N.C.) fired a complete shutout in the opener and the offense exploded for 21 hits in the nightcap as the Midshipmen swept Bucknell, 4-0 and 16-6, in baseball action on a summer-like Saturday afternoon at Depew Field.

With the wins, Navy improved to 23-18 overall and 8-6 in the Patriot League, while Bucknell dropped back to .500 at 18-18-2 on the year and 7-7 in league play.

We were able to get our confidence back at the plate today, stated Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos. Our offense was able to get into the other teams middle relief something that we havent done over the past-two weeks.

Harris threw 90 pitches to record his fourth career shutout, the second-best mark in school history, and his 11th career complete game. The Navy right-hander scattered six hits and walked none, while striking out three to improve to 2-1 and lower his ERA to 1.27 on the year.

Mitch really pitched out there today against a good-hitting Bucknell team, said Kostacopoulos. He hit his spots and had a good game plan. His shutout was a brilliant performance.

Harris got into some trouble in the second and third innings, but was able to work his way out of both jams unscathed. In the second, back-to-back singles with a sacrifice bunt put runners on second and third with one out. Harris battled back with a strikeout and a flyout to right to end the threat.

One frame later, Harris hit a batter with two outs, threw a wild pitch and allowed an infield single to put runners on the corners. He was able to come back and end the inning with a strikeout to keep the game scoreless.

Navys offense provided all the run support Harris would need on Saturday in the fifth inning. Jonathan Berkowitz (So./Parkland, Fla.) led off with a single through the right side and reached second on a sacrifice attempt in which the pitcher over-threw the shortstop covering. Mike Guadagnini (Fr./Virginia Beach, Va.) failed to get the sacrifice bunt down on the first two pitches, but came through with a two-run double to the gap in left-center. Guadagnini would eventually cross home plate on a fielders choice.

The Midshipmen tacked on an insurance run in the sixth. Nick Driscoll (Fr./Riverview, Fla.) singled up the middle with two outs and stole second, before Guadagnini delivered a run-scoring single to left.

Guadaganini led the offense with a 3-for-3 effort at the plate with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Renaldo Hollins (Sr./Virginia Beach, Va.) went 2-for-4 at the leadoff position and Driscoll scored twice in going 1-for-3 in the batters box. Navy out-hit Bucknell in the opener, 8-6.

In the back end of Saturdays doubleheader, Navy pounded out three doubles and three home runs in producing its highest run total in a Patriot League regular season game since a 17-2 win at Holy Cross on April 21, 2001.

Michael Speciale (So./Pearland, Texas) tied a school record with five runs scored, as he reached base safely in all-six plate appearances. He went 4-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs.

Guadagnini carried his momentum from the days first game into the second, as he went 3-for-5 with a double, home run and three RBIs. Jeff Bland (Fr./Basking Ridge, N.J.) also went deep for the Mids and finished the game 3-for-6 with four RBIs. Bolt, Harris and Driscoll each collected three hits, while Hollins went 2-for-7 with his program-record 60th career stolen base.

Navys cleanup through ninth hitters combined to go 19-for-30 (.633) with 15 runs scored and 15 RBIs.

Michael (Speciale) was the catalyst with his home run early in the game, stated Kostacopoulos. Everybody then jumped on and had a good team performance at the plate. Its nice to not just talk about one guy getting the job done. The bottom half of the order really had a solid day at the plate.

The two teams played a scoreless first before Navy rattled off nine unanswered runs, three in each the second, third and fourth innings. Harris and Driscoll hit back-to-back RBI doubles in the second before Speciale blasted his team-best eighth home run of the season, a two-run shot, in the third. In the fourth, Harris delivered a two-run single, followed a Driscoll run-scoring base knock.

Navy starter Oliver Drake (So./Gardner, Mass.) faced only one batter over the minimum during the first-three innings before getting into trouble in the fourth and the fifth, as Bucknell pulled within three at 9-6. However, that would be as close as it would get, as Navy reliever Drew Carlson (So./Boca Raton, Fla.) came in and shut out the hosts over the final-five innings of play. Carlson scattered four hits and no walks with two strikeouts to improve his record to 3-0 and drop his miniscule ERA down to 0.64.

Drew came in and settled the game down for us when we were getting in a vulnerable position that being they were starting to put on some good swings and score some runs, said Kostacopoulos. Drews performance was outstanding. He gave us more innings to extend our lead. When looking at the final score, it doesnt indicate the type of game that was played today.

While Carlson held the Bison in check, Navy extended its cushion with two runs in the sixth, one in the eighth and four in the ninth. Bland delivered a two-run single in the sixth before belting a solo shot over the fence down the left-field line in the eighth. One frame later, Guadagnini capped the scoring with a towering three-run home run to right-center.

Navy will close out its four-game series at Bucknell tomorrow with a 12 noon twinbill.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:52am

Navy def. Army 4-3 (Star Match)

For Immediate Release
Sent Saturday, April 19, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Tennis Team Hangs On for 4-3 Win Over Army in Star Match

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Navy tennis team tallied a 4-3 victory over Army Saturday afternoon at the U.S. Naval Academy to increase its Star Match winning streak over the Black Knights to three-straight matches and its overall winning streak in the series to four.

“We have a lot of respect for Army,” said Navy head coach John Officer. “They are a very good team. We know we are going to have to play to the best of our abilities every time we face them. The matches are always close and go back and forth.”

This marks the fourth consecutive year in which the final score of the Star Match between the teams has been 4-3, with the team that won the doubles point going on to win each of the four contests. Navy won the doubles point Saturday with wins at Nos. 2 and 3 doubles. Alex James (Sr., Visalia, Calif.) and Ramsey Lemaich (So., Danville, Calif.) were first to finish as Navy’s No. 2 duo posted an 8-1 win over Sean Harris and Johnny Lucero. Navy then clinched the all-important doubles point when Nick Birger (Fr., Belleville, Ill.) and Jason Hill (Jr., Marietta, Ga.) recorded an 8-3 victory over Jordan Girdley and Tripp Johnson at the No. 3 flight.

Army prevented a Navy sweep in doubles when Eddie Kang and Phil Muhawi posted a 9-8 (7-2) win over Nate Nelms (Jr., St. Mary’s, Ga.) and Johnny Waters (Jr., Papillion, Neb.) at No. 1 doubles.

“Our doubles play has been good all year,” said Officer. “The teams have a lot of experience partnering with each other. Alex and Ramsey played especially well today.”

Navy took a 2-0 lead when Nelms recorded a 6-1, 6-1 win over Muhawi at No. 1 singles, but Army won the next two matches to tie the score at 2-2. Harris put Army on the board with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Hill at No. 3 singles, then Kang, who last week broke the Army record for the most singles victories in a career, posted a 6-2, 6-1 win over Waters to even the team score.

“I’m really proud of Nate,” said Officer. "He played very well today in the singles.

“Eddie is a superb competitor. He fights on every point and has a good all-around game. He can attack, he can come in, and he plays well under pressure. Sean also played an extremely good match today. Jason just didn’t have any answers for him.”

A key swing match took place at No. 5 singles between James and Johnson. After Johnson won the first set by the score of 6-2, James dropped only one game in winning the next two sets by the scores of 6-1 and 6-0, respectively, to give Navy a 3-2 lead. Lemaich, who clinched Navy’s Patriot League Tournament victory over Army last year, won the fourth and deciding point for the Mids again today as he won a 6-3, 6-4 decision over Chris Albornoz at No. 4 singles.

“The win by Alex was a big boost for us,” said Officer. "It was a big turnaround from his first set.

“I’m happy for Ramsey. Our recent match against UMBC came down to him. He was unable to finish things up that day, but he was able to this afternoon.”

The last match of the day saw Girdley record a 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Owen Bullard (Fr., Concord, N.C.) at No. 6 singles.

Both teams were buoyed by the large crowd representing both schools at the match held on a sun-drenched spring day in Annapolis.

“We very much want to thank (Navy athletic director) Chet Gladchuk and (USNA Commandant) Captain Margaret Klein for helping us get so many Mids at the match,” said Officer. “The Mids were great today, as were all of the Cadets from Army who made the trip down. They all helped to make it a great atmosphere for both teams to compete in.”

With a 5-0 record in the league, Navy will enter next week’s Patriot League Tournament (to be held at Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y.) as the No. 1 seed in the seven-team field and receive a quarterfinal round bye. Army, with its 5-1 record, will be the No. 2 seed.

“Winning the Star was one of our goals for this season,” said Officer. "We are very happy to have accomplished that goal, but it was far from the only goal we set for ourselves this year. We now turn our attention to the Patriot League Tournament.

“Myself, (assistant coach) John Moreland, who does a great job in helping us get ready to play and is a very good coach during matches, and all of our players know we are going to have to work very hard this week in our preparation for the league tournament. There is no time to let up or rest on what we have accomplished. There is still more to do and over the next few days we have to do whatever it takes in order for us to be ready next weekend.”

Navy (18-8 / 5-0 Patriot League) defx. Army (14-7 / 5-1), 4-3
Doubles – Navy wins the doubles point (match finish order: 2-3-1)

Kang / Muhawi (ARMY) def. Nelms / Waters, 9-8 (7-2)
James / Lemaich (NAVY) def. Harris / Johnny Lucero, 8-1
Nick Birger / Hill (NAVY) def. Girdley / Johnson, 8-3
Singles (match finish order: 1-3-2-5-4-6)
Nate Nelms (NAVY) def. Phil Muhawi, 6-1, 6-1
Eddie Kang (ARMY) def. Johnny Waters, 6-2, 6-1
Sean Harris (ARMY) def. Jason Hill, 6-1, 6-2
Ramsey Lemaich (NAVY) def. Chris Albornoz, 6-3, 6-4
Alex James (NAVY) def. Tripp Johnson, 2-6, 6-1, 6-0
Jordan Girdley (ARMY) def. Owen Bullard, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 11:53am

Iona paces field after first round of Navy Spring Invitational

For Immediate Release
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Men’s Golf Contact: Stacie Michaud (410) 293-8773

Navy’s Hayes Shoots 2-Under 69, Navy Gold in Fourth at Spring Invitational

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Anchored by rookie Ben Hayes’ (Carmichael, Calif.) 2-under par 69, the Navy Gold team is tied with George Washington for fourth with a 12-over par 296 in the opening round of the 18-team Navy Spring Invitational on Saturday at the Naval Academy Golf Course in Annapolis. The Mids are five strokes behind the leader, Iona, who shot a 7-over par 291, while Niagara and George Washington “B” are tied for second with a 10-over par 294.

Three members of Iona’s team are among the top 15, including Jordan Lesansky (+1, 70) and Russel Giglio (E, 71) who are third and fourth in the individual standings, respectively. Navy’s Hayes is in second place, trailing tournament leader Sebastian Palomares of the George Washington “B” squad by just a stroke.

While Hayes shot well below his 77.3 stroke average on the opening day of the tournament, the Navy Gold team also saw junior Ryan Wielgus (Bethesda, Md.) post a 3-over par 74 in his first competition of the spring. Wielgus, who is tied for 15th, has been plagued with a hand injury throughout the spring, but looked sharp in his first tournament. Freshman Josh Ziska (Camarillo, Calif.) sits in 37h with a 5-over par 76, followed by senior Ryan Sload (Lancaster, Pa.) in 49th (+6, 77) and Eric Stinson (Spotsylvania, Va.) in 61st (+8, 79).

The Navy Blue team, which is traditionally the No. 1 Navy team, is 12 strokes behind the Navy Gold team in 13th with a 24-over par 308. Perhaps the most consistent golfer on the team the spring, senior Erich Schoen (Sylvania, Ohio) produced a 2-over par 73 and is tied for 12th after the opening round. Junior Chip Hardie (Arnold, Md.) is four strokes back in 49th with a 6-over par 77, while senior captain Chris Renninger (Darnestown, Md.) and junior David Miller (Chillicothe, Ohio) are deadlocked in 61st with an 8-over par 79. Rounding out the lineup was junior John Montemayor (Woodbridge, Va.), who after pacing the Mids a week ago at the River Landing Intercollegiate, stands 81st with a 12-over par 83.

Sitting in 15th place is the Navy White squad who posted a 29-over par 313 and is jus a stroke behind 14th-place La Salle. Competing for just the second time this year, freshman Rob Merkert (Severna Park, Md.) turned his lowest round in a Navy uniform with a 3-over par 74. Merkert is tied for 15th. Meanwhile, fellow rookie Marcus Heyland (Fort Madison, Iowa) stands 49th with a 6-over par 77, while John Fischer (West Des Moines, Iowa) and Joshua Howell (New Bern, N.C.) are tied for 73rd with a 10-over par 81. Sophomore Michael Harrigan (Moorestown, N.J.) closed out the lineup with an 11-over par 82 and is tied for 77th.

“I’m happy with the way the gold team competed today, however the blue team was not a its sharpest,” said Navy head coach Pat Owen. "That said, I’m looking forward to seeing the blue team regrouping and stepping up their play tomorrow.

“I was particularly please with Ben (Hayes) shooting a 69 and Rob Merkert also played well today,” added Owen. "It was nice to see Ryan Wielgus get back out on the course for us this weekend. And Erich Schoen continues to be a solid leader for us out of the senior class with his consistent play.

In addition to fielding three teams, Navy also put four individuals on the course, including freshman Steve ‘Beau’ Guidry (Durham, N.C.) who is tied for 27th after producing a 4-over par 75. Additionally, sophomore Andrew Hutchison (Jonesboro, Ark.) is 49th (+6, 77), sophomore John Moore (Winnetka, Ill.) is 73rd (+10, 81) and Blaine Henning (Simonton, Texas) stands 86th (+13, 84).

The final round of the Navy Spring Invitational will get underway Sunday with teams teeing off between 8:30 and 11 a.m.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 1:52pm

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Navy women’s track and field team had strong performances in the field events to lift the Mids to a strong showing at the Greyhound Invitational on Saturday afternoon. The meet featured 16 teams and there was no team scoring.

“We had a pretty good day, especially in our field events,” said Navy head coach Carla Criste. “I was happy with the way our underclassmen stepped up today and competed. Janet Voneiff had a strong performance in the shot up and we had four of the top five in the discus. It was a strong showing.”

Voneiff was Navy’s lone event winner, coming in the shot put. Voneiff led a 1-2-6-7 Navy finish with a heave of 40-6.25. Joy Nameth was second at 39-7.25, and Cassie Considine and LeShay Bernstein were sixth and seventh at 37-5.75 and 36-3.5.

The Mids then went 2-3-4-5 in the discus, led by Carolynn Hine’s toss of 128-8. Sienna Brown was third at 127-3, Voneiff was fourth with a throw of 122-1 and Nameth was fifth with a heave of 119-8.

Navy also posted strong performances in the hammer throw as Mia Blundetto was second with a throw of 151-2 and Meaghan Joyce was third at 151-0.

Navy’s last runner-up finish in the field events came from Jackie Charnigo in the pole vault at 11-11.75. Jessica Shlaegel was also sixth at 10-11.75.

The Mids also pieced together a 3-4 finish in the triple jump, led by Gloria Hill’s leap of 36-8.25. Katie Berkey was fourth with a jump of 36-5.75. Berkey also finished sixth in the high jump at 5-1.75.

Navy had five top-six performances on the track led by the 4x400-meter relay team of Joanna Clark, Chelsea Chlebo, Abigail Gesecki and Jessica Orr. The quartet finished second with a time of 4:01.60. Navy’s “B” team of Angelique Martin of Ashley Waddle, Gloria Hill and Lauren Burmeister was fifth in 4:07.60.

Navy’s distance runners also had moderate success, as Nicole Kauzlarich was second in the 3000-meter steeplechase in 11:59.59 and Betheny Rahall was third in the 5000-meter run in 19:19.27.

Jessica Orr was also fourth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:05.04.

The Mids will compete in the prestigious Penn Relays next weekend in Philadelphia, beginning on Thursday.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 1:54pm

Saturday, April 19, 2008; Page E02

It was a good day for Navy senior quarterback Jarod Bryant: He was named a team captain for next year, ran for a touchdown in the annual Blue-Gold spring game and also returned a punt in the game.

Bryant’s touchdown came on the opening possession for the Blue team, but neither offense showed much punch thereafter in the Blue team’s 14-0 victory last night before 2,497 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

For the most part, the Blue team featured first- and third-string players; the Gold featured the second string and fourth string.

“I thought the Blue guys, especially offensively, a lot of the guys were punching the clock,” Coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “I thought the guys on Gold competed. It’s an opportunity for some of the younger guys to show what they can do.”

Sophomore outside linebacker Trey Grissom and junior outside linebacker Craig Schaefer were among the young players who impressed. Grissom had a game-high nine tackles, including three tackles for losses, for the Gold. Schaefer, a graduate of Robinson, received the Admiral Mack Award as the most improved player during spring drills.

Bryant is expected to be the backup to senior Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada at quarterback; he also will play slotback and return punts. He finished with 30 yards rushing and completed all three of his passes for 66 yards.

“As far as I know, Kaipo is the starter,” Bryant said. “I’m just going to be there for whatever happens. I’ve done that before.”

Seniors Shun White and Greg Shinego and sophomore Andre Byrd made up the three-back rotation among the slotbacks. The starting offensive line included senior center Ricky Moore (Northern).

The play of the night came from sophomore quarterback Ricky Dobbs. On a 32-yard run late in the fourth quarter, he eluded four tackles.

– Christian Swezey

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 1:58pm

By Kent Baker | Special to The Sun
April 19, 2008

There were flashes of promise, but new Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo wasn’t impressed overall by the performance in the Blue-Gold spring game last night at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

“We had two goals - that Navy would win and nobody would get hurt,” Niumatalolo said. Those were accomplished, but the coach didn’t like the fact that “the Blue guys, especially the offense, were punching the clock. We just weren’t focused. They treated it like practice.”

And that’s what he said about the winning team. The Blue squad scored touchdowns on its first and last possessions for a 14-0 victory but never looked cohesive after a 65-yard drive to the end zone in the first quarter. It was directed by Jarod Bryant in the absence of starting quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, who sat out the game.

Fortunately, the announced crowd of 2,497 didn’t have to endure the inconsistencies for long. With two 12-minute quarters and a final two of 10 minutes each (in running time), the game was over in an hour.

“We might have come out not as ready as we should be,” said Bryant, who completed all three of his passes for 66 yards but spent a lot of time trying to elude young Gold defenders, especially linebackers Trey Grissom (nine tackles, 3 1/2 for losses) and Tyler Simmons (eight tackles). “We moved the ball, then we shot ourselves in the foot with stupid things. We’ve got a long way to go.”

Linebacker Clint Sovie added: “We had some ups and downs. It was just a regular old scrimmage. But the younger guys came out to play. They’re out here trying to win a spot.”

The final touchdown - a 4-yard run on a pitch by Andre Byrd - was set up when sophomore quarterback Ricky Dobbs improvised on a 32-yard run that had been designed to go in the opposite direction. It was the highlight of the night for Dobbs, who had some difficulty handling snaps and pitch plays.

“Ricky had a nice run, but taking care of the football was a problem,” Niumatalolo said. “Offensively, this wasn’t the performance we were looking for. We got an idea of where we are, and we’ve got a couple months to get that sluggish offense rectified.”

The Gold team had 78 yards of offense (the Blue had 250), but a 65-yard touchdown pass from Greg Zingler to Greg Jones was nullified by a penalty.

Blue fullback Kevin Campbell was the leading rusher with 41 yards on 10 carries.

Notes // Outside linebacker Craig Schaefer, a junior, won the Vice Admiral William P. Mack Award as the most improved player during spring drills. “He was by far the biggest surprise,” Niumatalolo said. “We were looking for guys that can come off the edge and get some pressure on the quarterback, and he did a great job with that this spring.”… Quarterback-slotback Bryant and linebacker Sovie have been elected by their teammates as captains.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 2:31pm

By Mike Fratto
April 19, 2008

ANNAPOLIS Navy football coach Ken Niumatalolo had two goals coming into last night’s spring game.

The first was to make sure no one was injured. That was accomplished thanks to a brisk 78-minute contest.

The second was to see the Midshipmen’s triple-option offense succeed. The Blue team prevailed 14-0 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. But that squad, comprising mainly first-string players, struggled to complete drives. Because of three fumbles, it failed to make the most of its 250 yards of offense.

“Offensively, we were a little sluggish. Fortunately, we have a couple months to get that rectified,” Niumatalolo said. “We just weren’t focused. Guys weren’t dialed in. They treated it like practice as opposed to coming out here and competing.”

Added quarterback Jarod Bryant: “Some people, including myself, weren’t as ready as we should be to play. You’ve got to come out ready every day. We’d move the ball and shoot ourselves in the foot with stupid things that we haven’t been doing all spring, so it’s kind of frustrating to end like that.”

Sophomore quarterback Ricky Dobbs showed both his promise and inexperience. He dazzled the crowd with a 32-yard run late in the fourth quarter, but he also fumbled two snaps.

“He’s got to learn to take care of the football, but he’s definitely got a future here,” Niumatalolo said.

Bryant and inside linebacker Clint Sovie were elected team captains. Bryant will backup Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, but Navy’s coaching staff wants to find ways to get him on the field. He is slated to return punts and might see some time at slot back in the fall.

Sovie missed most of last year with a leg injury he suffered against Rutgers, so he didn’t expect his teammates to vote him captain.

“I was shocked. There’s two or three guys I thought could have earned the spot,” Sovie said. “I didn’t play last year and they did and proved themselves. It’s an honor that words can’t describe.”

At halftime, Niumatalolo presented linebacker Craig Schaefer with the Admiral Mack Award, given each year to the spring’s most improved player. He leapfrogged Travis Sudderth for a spot as starting outside linebacker.

“He’s a guy that’s met every challenge that we’ve given him,” Niumatalolo said. “We told him we needed a guy to come off the edge and get pressure. That’s one phase of the game that we needed this spring and he’s done a great job. We’re excited about where he’s at.”

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 2:42pm

For Immediate Release
Sent Sunday, April 20, 2008
Contact Justin Kischefsky (410) 293-8772

Navy Heavyweight Boat Falls in Maxwell Stevenson Trophy Race

PRINCETON, N.J. - The varsity boat from the Navy heavyweight rowing team suffered a narrow loss for the second time in as many days Sunday as the Mids dropped a 2.7-second decision to Columbia on Lake Carnegie in Princeton, N.J.

Sunday’s setback follows a 1.4-second loss by the crew to Syracuse Saturday morning. Included in Saturday’s race against the Orange, however, was a six-second win by the Mids over Cornell.

A great start by Columbia gave the Lions an early advantage and they would soon increase their lead to more than a boat length around the midpoint of the race. Navy was able to close to within one-half of a boat length late in the 2000-meter contest before the Lions pushed their lead up another 1-2 seats at the close of the race.

Columbia posted a winning time of 6:02.2, with Navy following in a time of 6:04.9.

“The key to the race was the start,” said Navy head coach Rick Clothier. “Columbia was able to open up a sizeable lead over the first 250 meters. The advantage they held at that point was about what they ended up winning the race by.”

The victory gives Columbia possession of the Maxwell Stevenson Trophy. It is the first time since the series was renewed in 2002 that the Lions have defeated the Mids in the trophy race.

The remainder of the Navy and Columbia crews will face each other May 3.

Navy’s next race will be April 26 when the entire team competes in Philadelphia against Penn and Harvard.

Varsity
Columbia, 6:02.2; Navy, 6:04.9

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 2:46pm

For Immediate Release
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Maggart (410) 293-8771

Mids Struggle Early in 8-2 Loss at Bucknell

LEWISBURG, Pa. The Navy baseball team fell behind 7-0 after the first-two innings of play and could not bounce back in dropping an 8-2 contest at Bucknells Depew Field on Sunday afternoon. The second game of the day was postponed due to rain and has been re-scheduled for tomorrow at 2 p.m.

The Midshipmen fell to 23-19 on the year and 8-7 in Patriot League action, while the Bison upped their mark to 19-18-2 and 8-7 in league play.

We made a couple of misplays in the field which gave Bucknell five to six outs to score with in the first, and you cant do that, stated Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos. We battled really hard at the plate and put on some good swings, but could not come up with the big hit. We did not play well enough to overcome the deficit we faced after the first-two innings.

Bucknell posted a four-spot in the first inning and followed one frame later with three runs. Navy starter Mark McCoy (Sr./Parkland, Fla.) struck out the first batter of the game, but the ball scooted by the catcher to allow the hitter to reach first on a wild pitch. After a bunt single, the Bison drove home a run in each of the next-four at bats.

One inning later, the Bison led off with back-to-back singles before drawing consecutive walks to bring in a run. After a popout, Bucknell brought in another run on a bases-loaded walk and plated its third run of the inning on a sacrifice fly.

However, McCoy would settle in and gave the Midshipmen 5.1 innings of work, as he allowed eight runs on 12 hits with three walks, all in the second inning, and six strikeouts.

Mark did exactly what you ask a starting pitcher to do today, said Kostacopoulos. We needed to make plays behind him. He went out there and battled the entire way. Its exactly what you want to see out of a senior pitcher.

The Midshipmen had multiple opportunities to pull within striking distance in the third and fourth innings. In the third, two singles and an error on a fielders choice loaded the bases with nobody out. However, Bucknell starter Mathew Wilson induced a double play at the plate and a groundout to keep the guests off the board.

Navys offense would not be held scoreless in the fourth. Michael Speciale (So./Pearland, Texas) legged out an infield single and advanced to second on a Mitch Harris (Sr./Mt. Holly, N.C.) walk. The next batter, Nick Driscoll (Fr./Riverview, Fla.) singled to right to load the bases for Jeff Bland (Fr./Basking Ridge, N.J.), who came through with a RBI-single to center. Harris would come home during the next at bat on a wild pitch to make the score 7-2. Following a strikeout, Renaldo Hollins (Sr./Virginia Beach, Va.) drew a walk to load the bases for the second-straight inning. Once again, Wilson came up with the key pitch to force an infield popout to avoid further damage.

Bland and Hollins each recorded two base knocks on Sunday, as the Midshipmen were out-hit by the Bison, 12-8.

GreatAmerican · April 26, 2008, 2:48pm

By BILL WAGNER, Staff Writer
Published April 19, 2008

On paper, last night’s spring-ending Blue-Gold scrimmage for Navy football looked like a mismatch.

The Blue squad had all the starters along with many of the second stringers. Jarod Bryant and Ricky Dobbs, the top quarterbacks available, both played for the Blue. A blowout seemed inevitable.

Somebody forgot to tell that to Trey Grissom, Tyler Simmons and the rest of the Gold defense. Grissom was in the backfield all night wreaking havoc while Simmons wasn’t far behind as a bunch of reserve defenders gave the No. 1 offense all they could handle.

Bryant scored on a 1-yard dive in the first quarter and slot back Andre Byrd scooted over from 4 yards out in the fourth as the Blue escaped with an uninspired 14-0 victory before 2,497 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

“I thought a lot of the Blue players were just punching the clock. They weren’t focused, weren’t dialed in. They treated this like the 15th practice,” Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “The Blue offense was really sluggish while the Gold defense really competed.”

Grissom led the Gold with nine tackles, crashing into the backfield to record 3 1/2 tackles for losses. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore is listed third on the depth chart at outside linebacker, but showed he might help the Midshipmen next season.

Simmons also was constantly around the ball in recording eight tackles. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound plebe emerged from spring camp as a backup inside linebacker.

“Grissom really flew around and Simmons was real active. Those are two young kids with promising futures,” Niumatalolo said.

Kevin Campbell rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries to lead the Blue while fellow fullback Vince Murray rumbled for 34 yards on just four totes. Starting fullback Eric Kettani sat out the game with a knee injury.

Bryant led the Blue to a quick touchdown on the game’s opening possession. It took just eight plays and 3:20 for the Blue to go 65 yards for the score and a lopsided score seemed likely.

However, the Gold defense rose up and began stuffing the Blue, which had several drives into enemy territory sabotaged by fumbles or penalties. The Blue was fortunate to lose just one of three fumbles with Grissom making the recover.

“To be honest, some people including myself weren’t as ready to play as they should have been,” said Bryant, who averaged just 2.3 yards per carry. “We moved the ball then shot ourselves in the foot. It’s a little frustrating because we wanted to end (the spring) on a good note. We only put up 14 points when we should have at least had 35.”

Dobbs authored perhaps the most exciting play of the game - reversing field, cutting back a couple times then racing down the right sideline for a game-long 32-yard run. That set up Byrd’s touchdown that made the final score 14-0.

Niumatalolo made it the fastest Blue-Gold game history by calling for 10-minute quarters and a running clock during the second half. Total elapsed time for the contest was a lickety-split hour and 18 minutes.

"I saw that Florida did that and I thought to myself, ‘Those are good rules,’ " Niumatalolo said. “Seriously, I wanted to make sure it didn’t drag and that we didn’t have any catastrophic injuries. We accomplished our two main goals - Navy won and nobody got hurt.”

By far the most notable news was released before the game. Outside linebacker Craig Schaefer was named winner of the Vice Admiral William P. Mack Award as the most improved player during spring practice. Schaefer, who will be a junior next season, was a playmaker throughout the four-week camp and seized the starting job at the outside spot vacated by Matt Wimsatt.

“Schaefer had a phenomenal spring. We were looking for a guys that can come off the edge and get some pressure on the quarterback and he did a great job with that this spring. He showed he could rush the passer,” Niumatalolo said.

Schaefer saw action in all 13 games last season while playing primarily on special teams. He displayed increased confidence during the spring and was outstanding in the two scrimmages.

“It’s exciting to put hard work in and get some recognition,” said Schaefer, out of Robinson High in Fairfax, Va. “Now I’ve got to keep it up. It only counts in the fall.”

Navy also announced that Bryant and senior inside linebacker Clint Sovie had been selected as captains by vote of their teammates. It was somewhat of a surprise since Bryant is slated to be the backup quarterback behind Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada while Sovie missed most of last season with an injury.

“I was shocked, to tell you the truth. There were two or three other guys that I thought would get that spot. Words can’t explain what an honor it is,” Sovie said.

Kaheaku-Enhada, who was non-contact throughout camp, was one of 10 players to sit out last night’s scrimmage with an injury. In addition to the aforementioned Kettani, the others were safety Jesse Iwuji (right elbow), linebacker Alex Horne (right knee), kicker Matt Harmon (right knee), cornerback Kevin Edwards (left big toe), safety Jeff Deliz (right foot), linebacker Ian Meredith (right shoulder), cornerback Rashawn King (right shoulder) and defensive end Maurice Cumberland (head).

Navy Sports

Related topics

CONNECT WITH US