Chet Gladchuck Luncheon

Chet Gladchuk, USNA Athletic Director Speaks at March 2004 Luncheon

USNA Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk spoke to the Atlanta Chapter at our March luncheon. Chet offered an information-packed presentation on Academy sports across the board.

Chet started by explaining that Navy has one of the top five sports programs in the country, that consists of 30 varsity sports: including 18 varsity men’s sports, 8 varsity women’s sports, and 4 co-ed varsity sports.

37% of the Brigade is involved in varsity sports, including 34% of the men and 50% of the women. Navy athletes exceed the Brigade average in academics, conduct, aptitude for commission, and honor. 70% of athletes work in community service programs. Average graduation rates over the past 10 years have been: 78% for the overall class, 84% for varsity athletes, 73% for non-varsity athletes, and 79% for football.

The record for Army-Navy rivalry in all sports is as follows:

Last 6 years vs Army: 136-46-4 (.727)
Last 6 years N-Star vs Army: 95-31-4 (.746)
‘02-‘03 record vs Army: 20-8-2 (.700)
‘02-‘03 N-Star vs Army: 15-5-2 (.727)

Navy Football was a real high point! Under Coach Paul Johnson, Navy finished with an 8-5 record, which translates to the second best turn-around in the country! As you all now by now, since Navy beat both Air Force and Army, the Commander-in-Chiefs trophy now resides in Annapolis! Navy participated in the EV1.NET Houston Bowl last season as well. Navy was the second team in NCAA history to have four 1,000-yard rushers. Coach Johnson was a finalist for National Coach of the Year. Chet said that Coach Johnson brought an “expect to win” attitude with him to Navy.

Highlights of other sports include the following: Navy golfer Billy Hurley is one of the top five college players in the country, and fired a USNA course record 10-under-par 61. Women’s Soccer set an attendance record with over 6,500 fans at the Navy vs UNC game. Navy Wrestling had a 12-4 season. Navy Lacrosse had a 4-1 season, are ranked 9^th in the country, and had an estimated record crowd of 20,000 watch the Johns Hopkins game. The Navy Rifle team went 11-1, is 3^rd in the nation, and has had 14 consecutive victories over Army (which Chet thought just a bit concerting… can’t those Army guys shoot?)

Chet also brought along many before-and-after pictures of Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The renovation and improvements made to our stadium are nothing short of fantastic! We have a first-class facility that we can all be proud of.

Chet closed with a Q&A session about Navy sports and the Academy in general, reminded us to check WWW.NAVYSPORTS.COM for all the latest on Navy sports, and lead a GO NAVY – BEAT ARMY cheer!

Many thanks to Chet for making time in his busy schedule to come and talk to us in Atlanta. For more info on Chet, click on:

Chet Gladchuk Bio

Click on a thumbnail image to view a full sized picture.

The lunch crowd gathers.

Buffet line opens.

Chet Gladchuk starts his presentation.

Chapter President Bill Rentz '55, presents Chet with his personalized Atlanta Chapter apron.