During World War II the University of Notre Dame almost closed down for lack of students as so many young men were overseas. The Naval Academy stepped up and sent their officer students to Notre Dame which kept the University opened. Notre Dame paid back Navy by promising to keep Navy on their football schedule for as long as Navy wanted to keep the series going.
Coach Kelly after the game commented on how special the game is by observing that it's not too often in sports that you see opposing players arm in arm in salute to each other. Previous Coach Charlie Weis taught his players that Navy's players weren't on the football field to have a chance to play on Sundays, and that they have a very different path in front of them.
Many don't realize the history of Notre Dame and Navy and poke fun at the Irish for keeping Navy on the schedule. Such people only expose their own ignorance. I, for one, look forward to this game every year.
5 ноя 2021
