One way that leadership has been taught is through sports. The United States Military Academy at West Point understands that basic principal and that is why sports are a huge part of the system that the USMA uses.
In today’s post, I am going to explain the many sports programs offered at the USMA at West Point. We will look at programs of all levels so you will understand just what sports you can participate in when you enter the United States Military Academy.
I must first explain that sports are so important at the USMA that since Douglas MacArthur was the superintendant, every single cadet has been required in one of the 3 types of athletic sport’s programs the school offers. They consist of:
Intercollegiate sports
Club sports
or Company athletics which are intramural sports.
Let’s go through each one.
Intercollegiate Sports
The USMA offers a wide range of intercollegiate sport’s teams. The nickname of all the Army teams is the Black Knights. Most of Army’s intercollegiate teams are members of the Division 1 Patriot League. There are 10 core members of the Patriot League. They are:
USMA Black Knights
USNA Midshipmen
American University Eagles
Loyola University Greyhounds
Boston University Terriers
Lehigh University Mountain Hawks
Bucknell University Bison
Lafayette College Leopards
Colgate University Raiders
College of the Holy Cross Crusaders
We will now look at each sport; both men’s and women’s.
Men’s Baseball
The 2016 season was a tough one for the Black Knights. The Patriot League record was 6-13 and their overall record was 16-32. Better luck next year.
Women’s Basketball
Army had a great women’s basketball team with the 2015-2016 season. Their Patriot League record was 17-1 and overall was 29-3 and they were the champions.
Men’s Basketball
The Army men had a so-so season with a league record of 9-9 and overall of 19-14. Maybe next season.
Women’s Cross-Country
Running is a huge part of the Army way, so cross country is a no-brainer. The coach is Mike Smith and the 2015 season had 1 senior by the name of Madison Hill.
Men’s Cross-Country
The 2015 record was 3-3 and they came in 3rd in the Patriot League.
Women’s Lacrosse
It was a bad year for these women with 0-9 in league standings.
Men’s Football
We always look forward to that huge game at the end of the season. Go Army…Beat Navy!
Women’s Rugby
The women had a very good rugby season finishing 5-1-0 in conference play. Great job Black Knights!
Men’s Golf
They won the Patriot League and tied for 12th in the NCAA. Fore!!!
Women’s Swimming & Diving
5-1 conference and 10-1 overall. Yes, they are great!
Co-Ed Rifle
Conference results for this sport were 3-5 and overall 5-7.
Men’s Gymnastics
The men’s gymnastics squad is first class. As a matter of fact, West Point is going to host the 2017 NCAA Gymnastics Championships.
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer program had a difficult 2015 season. We will hope for better results this year.
Men’s Hockey
The hockey team had a conference record of 8-11-9 and overall 15-15-9.
Women’s Softball
Their conference record was 13-5 and they had an overall of 39-20.
As you can see from the above, there are many sports programs and many more below. Every program is well managed and the Black Knights put a strong aspect on sports.
Men’s Lacrosse
Women’s Tennis
Men’s Rugby
Women’s Track & Field
Men’s Soccer
Women’s Volleyball
Men’s Sprint Football
Men’s Swimming & Diving
Men’s Tennis
Men’s Track & Field
Men’s Wrestling
That is the list of intercollegiate sports, but the sports does not stop there at USMA.
Club Sports
There are a huge list of club sports available at West Point. They consist of:
Boxing
Crew
Climbing
Cycling
Equestrian
Fencing
Judo
Orienteering
Power-lifting
Team Handball
Triathlon
Volleyball
Water Polo
and more
Company Athletics
Company athletics is intramural sports. USMA offers various sports at different times of the year. They include:
Basketball
Football
Soccer
Team handball
Racquetball
Wrestling
Boxing
Court soccer
Swimming
Wally-ball
Cross Country
Flicker-ball
Orienteering
Rugby
Softball
As you can see, cadets have a wide range of sports to choose from. It is a great way to learn leadership, sportsmanship and teamwork. Also, it helps keep you in shape.
Helping Instill Sports In Kids
Another thing I love is how West Point is working with the youth. There are youth sports such as:
Soccer
Basketball
Swimming
Baseball
Lacrosse
Track & Field
and more
Final Thoughts
Sports are a hub in making leaders. Learning the art of competition and fair play is best started in a sports arena and it can help develop these individuals when they enter a battle arena.
What are your thoughts? Have any of you participated in any of these sports at the USMA? Please tell us which ones and your thoughts on it.
If you have comments or questions, you can post them in the section below. Thank you and GO Black Knights!
References
United States Military Academy
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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