During the brunch, Kings Point Midshipman
John Rapacki, the Regimental Commander, related to the attendees a story Captain Schubert
told the last time he visited the Academy. As a 1974 graduate of the Academy, Captain
Schubert was issued, like all incoming midshipmen, an Academy jacket. More commonly known
as an A-jacket, Schuberts was unfortunately lost years after graduation during a
fire. The midshipmen, upon hearing this story, rallied together to purchase a brand new
A-jacket with his class year sewn on it, which Midshipman Rapacki proudly presented to
him.
![Capt. Schubert Receiving Award](images/transbowl02/1Capt.%20Schubert%20Receiving%20Award_small.jpg)
Following this, Midshipman Patrick
Arnold, the Regimental Training Officer at Kings Point, took the floor to express the
gratitude of the midshipmen for the leadership presented by Secretary Mineta during the
September 11 crisis. As Kings Point midshipmen were actively involved in the assistance
efforts on lower Manhattan, the Secretarys guidance during this time of national
tragedy was greatly appreciated. The midshipmen awarded the Secretary the Light of
Leadership award.
![Sec. Mineta Receiving Award](images/transbowl02/1Sec.%20Mineta%20Receiving%20Award_small.jpg)
Midshipman Patrick Arnold presenting
Light of Leadership award to Secretary Mineta
The Light of Leadership award recognizes
commitment to leadership excellence, exemplary character, selfless service, and
outstanding personal achievement. The historical and symbolic mariners' deck prism,
utilized hundreds of years ago to diffuse daylight to illuminate below deck spaces, is the
centerpiece of the trophy. A certificate of recognition accompanied the trophy.
Following the brunch, the midshipmen and
cadets from both academies marched on to Tomb Football Field to present the colors, and to
be addressed by Secretary Mineta. Focusing his remarks on the professionalism presented by
both academies and their respective industry and branch of service, the speech was well
received by the midshipmen, cadets, and those in the stands.
![March-On-4](images/transbowl02/1March-On-4_small.jpg)
As mentioned earlier, Kings Point
posted a 31-6 win. During the game, four new U.S. Merchant Marine Academy records were
set. Since the rivalry has existed, Kings Point has won 14 of the 22 meetings with the
Coast Guard Academy, and has won the last four consecutive meetings as well. As Secretary
Mineta presented the Secretary's Cup to the Mariners, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Midshipmen cheered loudly in the stands. Following the win, Captain Schubert also granted
liberty to all Kings Point midshipmen, allowing them to spend the remainder of the weekend
as they pleased.
This game also marked the final
regular-season home game for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academys Head Coach Charlie
Pravata, who will step down at the conclusion of this season. Coach Pravata will retire
with the best record as a football coach for the Academy.
###