July 2006 President's Corner

Steve Frederick '72, USNAAA Atlanta Chapter President

Last month I observed that “Finally, the hot weather is here in Georgia”. Well, since then, the “really hot weather” has arrived. The 4 July weekend has come and gone (along with my personal reminiscences about my first snow flake drill that began at 0530 on 4 July 1968) and the Peachtree Road Race for 2006 is history.

I ran my first Peachtree this year, and crossed paths with Scott Evans ’88 who was also running his first with his 14 year old son. (My 16 year old daughter was running her third, but since she is in the wheel chair division, we don’t get to run together.) There were a few other Navy grads that I saw and wheezed “Beat Army” at, along with a Woop who said that he was beginning his new life at West Point 50 years prior to the day we ran the race. The race was pretty challenging with the heat, but it occurred to me that we need to consider putting a Navy team together for next year, with appropriate attire to identify us to other runners and spectators. I plan to discuss such an effort with the BOD, so standby for further info. I think that with appropriately noticeable uniforms (bright T-shirts) we could get some great publicity for USNA.

By this time next year, there may be a lot more people here in the football centered south who appreciate the Academy. Several articles have been published recently in preparation for the upcoming football season, and each one is highly complimentary of the Navy program. Each of the publications that I have read rate each team in the country, and all have Navy rated higher than all of our opponents except Notre Dame. I figure one upset per year is not too much to ask. I actually saw one on NavySports.com that listed Navy as one of four non-BSC schools that has a shot at a BCS bowl. This could be a season to remember. Keep an eye on our website for info about viewing Navy’s home football games at Jock’s and Jill’s in Brookhaven, the same place that we meet for our monthly luncheons. I would venture a guess that our team will generate some major interest this year, and am looking forward to some great crowds on “home game” Saturdays.

I was unable to make it to the June luncheon, but was told that our speaker, RADM Casey Coane did a great job and that his presentation was informative and enjoyable. Unfortunately, I don’t have the attendance list, so I can’t list attendees. Our July speaker is Fred Tollison, former CEO at INPO. I would recommend attendance at that meeting, as the topic of nuclear power generation becomes a more significant one each day. I hope to see you at Jock’s and Jill’s in Brookhaven on 21 July.

Pay close attention to our website for the latest information on our events, particularly football season plans. The activity level for our Chapter tends to slow down after the Lobster Fest, as folks tend to hit the road for summer travel. However, things will be cranking up again shortly, and we would very much like to have your support at any of our events. I think that you in turn will find them worthwhile and enjoyable. I look forward to seeing you again, or to meeting you at one of our future events.

BEAT ARMY!

Steve Frederick ’72
Chapter President