The University of Notre Dame-Navy rivalry is one of the most storied games in the history of college football, and it's also severely underrated by the national media. Sure, announcers briefly touch on the history and tradition of this particular game, but it's usually for nothing more than a 10-second segue into a commercial break. This past weekend, Navy came to South Bend for the annual tradition, and it was nothing short of perfection.
For those who do not know, this game has been played annually since 1927, making it the longest uninterrupted intersectional rivalry in college football. Now, if that isn't a remarkable tradition, I don't know what is. It all started when the dawning of World War II caused the University of Notre Dame to hit some financial trouble, like many other universities at the time. The university initially reached out to the United States Military Academy for help in sustaining the prestigious school, and asked them to use Notre Dame as a training facility for their troops. With the perfect size and location at West Point, it made no sense for Army to send over its students.
The United States Naval Academy, however, gladly accepted the offer. Their facilities were too small for the rapidly growing school, so they sent over thousands of students and made Notre Dame a training center. In addition, they paid the university for the use of its facilities and for housing these students. Had Navy not done this, the Notre Dame would probably not be what it is today. Navy truly saved Our Lady.
As repayment for keeping the university from going into bankruptcy, a sort of honorary debt, Notre Dame has extended an open invitation for Navy to play the Fighting Irish in football every year. The rivalry is one of mutual respect from both teams, with each team singing the opposing school's alma mater at the conclusion of the game, with their respective student sections. A new addition this year was that both teams, for the first time in the history of the sport, wore the same base layers, cleats, and gloves, quoting "Respect. Honor. Tradition." This was just a further testament to the already incredible respect both teams have for each other. As a Notre Dame student, I would just like to say thank you, Navy.
Thank you for serving our country and keeping us all safe.
Thank you for saving the University of Notre Dame when no one else would.
Thank you for showing our fans the utmost respect, no matter what the scoreboard says.
Thank you for being forever classy.
Thank you for your continued support of our institution.
And thank you for making the ND-Navy game the most enjoyable one every, single season.
We love you, Navy. See you next year.
