<p>Do they have "real" coaches @ USNA or are they student run?</p>
<p>Can those coaches serve as advocates for candidates?</p>
<p>Club sports are generally coached by either staff members or civilians from off the yard. I don't know that they get paid, but they are not funded by the athletic association so if they are, it ain't much.</p>
<p>Only varsity sports coaches would really have any sway with candidates. Club sports are only there to support the mission to develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically.</p>
<p>Mike</p>
<p>With the new ice rink, had heard that the Ice Hockey team may go Div I. The USMA and AFA are Div I. Have you heard this or not?</p>
<p>S plays hockey in the Capital Beltway. There had been a few people talking about this change.</p>
<p>^^ I have heard that too. I think it is supposed to become a varsity sport very soon.</p>
<p>Hope you're not holding your breath on that.</p>
<p>Yes, I've heard the rumors that hockey will be the next varsity sport at USNA. However, I have a few well-placed friends in the athletic department and they give me the impression that it won't happen any time soon, if at all.</p>
<p>It's an expensive sport for one, and there are very few teams to play within driving distance which compounds the first reason. Since we just added women's lacrosse to get us to 31 varsity sports, why do we need to add another one?</p>
<p>Now, if we start cutting sports like rifle, crew, sailing, men's gymnastics, and spring football, all bets are off. But those sports wouldn't go away easily.</p>
<p>Just my thoughts,
Mike</p>