The Army Sprint Football team recently hosted its 5th Annual Alumni Weekend. The theme of this year's weekend was "Honoring Perfection". Fifteen teams throughout the 55-year history of the program were recognized for having perfect records. Those teams were from the following seasons: '58, '62, '64, '66, '68, '70, '72, '73, '74, '76, '80, '83, '90, '94, and '12. A record number of Alumni Weekend attendees witnessed representatives from each team placing a Gold Star on a banner at mid-field during the pre-game ceremony. This banner will be raised at each home game throughout the 2013 season.
As for the game itself, the Alumni gave a valiant effort but eventually succumbed to the young cadets by the score of 35-21. This, of course, was after the Alumni had spotted themselves 15 points to honor the 15 perfect teams! The oldest alum to take the field was MG (Ret) Ed Dyer '72. In all, 19 different year groups represented the Alumni team, including 11 who suited up from the Class of '78.
A major highlight of the weekend was guest speaker Hall of Fame Defensive Back Ronnie Lott. He addressed the team privately and also addressed the Alumni during the Friday evening dinner. Other successful events included the Fly-in Social, the Memorial Service at Trophy Point, and the golf tournament.
Besides the game, perhaps the biggest success of all was the post-game BBQ. More than 250 people participated and the cadets and Alumni were able to mingle and trade "war stories".
Head Coach Mark West exclaimed that "this event was the best one yet. Having the Alumni return and be a part of this program is truly what Sprint football (former 150's) is all about. This program has represented excellence on and off the field for a very long time and I want my players to understand that. There is no better way for them to understand excellence than to see it for themselves before their very eyes in the form of our Alumni."
Next year's Alumni Weekend is scheduled forAugust 21-23.