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Cadet Development: Physical
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West Point's historical commitment to athletics continues today. While serving as
Superintendent of West Point, General Douglas MacArthur emphasized the importance of
athletics in the development of cadets with his now famous quotation, "Upon the
fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds, that upon other fields, on other days,
will bear the fruits of victory." MacArthur focused on improving the Academy's
athletic program in order to give every cadet an opportunity to compete, instituting
an intramural and competitive team program in addition to a strong intercollegiate
sports program.
Army teams compete on the NCAA Division 1-A intercollegiate level both regionally and nationally in about 25 men and women's sports. About 30 percent of the Corps of Cadets are active in the intercollegiate program. Cadets also compete on 26 competitive club teams and participate in an extensive intramural program. Through athletics, every cadet competes and is challenged at the highest level of physical ability. It is an opportunity to develop self-confidence and self-discipline, a sense of fair play, team spirit, and the capacity to think and act under stress. Thus, athletics serve the larger mission and purpose of the Military Academy.
