BALTIMORE, Md. - The press conference for the 117th Army-Navy Game presented by USAA was held on Tuesday morning inside of M&T Bank Stadium.
The Army West Point football team, represented by head coach Jeff Monken, athletic director Boo Corrigan and senior linebackers, Andrew King and Jeremy Timpf, spoke with various media about their preparation for the annual battle between the two academies.
Army Head Coach Jeff Monken
(Ref.: on a recap of the season heading into Saturday's game)
"Well, number one it's been a real rollercoaster ride for us. We had some great victories to start the year and we've had some disappointing losses. We had a tragedy hit our team, the loss of one of our players at the beginning of the year, so it was a difficult time in our program. But what a great bunch of guys, who are resilient and tough. I'm really proud of these guys for earning a bowl bid. That's a measure for success when you play football. I'm really really proud of these guys."
(Ref.: on the importance of the Army-Navy game)
"If people can't see this as America's Game, they're not paying close enough attention. Every young man out there who is playing in the game on Saturday with nine-thousand other college-aged students dressed in uniform sitting in the stands have all made a pledge and a commitment to serve this nation and, ultimately, would put their lives on the line for all of us who aren't willing to make that commitment. If that doesn't make it America's Game, then we don't have a game."
Army Senior Co-Captain and Linebacker Andrew King
(Ref.: on the significance of the Army-Navy game)
"It's the Army-Navy game. Everyone's eyes are on us. We're going to approach it like that and continue to practice hard the rest of the week. This game is not only for this 2016 team, but for the Army football brotherhood in general."
"The 2016 Army team hasn't faced the 2016 Navy team yet. We have been practicing for the past three weeks so our guys know how to defend this team. We have great coaches along with great players that will step up. We are going to go out there and we are going to battle."
Army Senior Co-Captain and Linebacker Jeremy Timpf
(Ref.: on the gameplan after Will Worth's injury for Navy)
"We're not going to do anything different that we wouldn't have done against Worth. We went in with a strong gameplan before he went down with that injury. I'm sure they're going to be prepared. I know the other quarterbacks have taken a lot of reps in practice and will be ready for Saturday."
(Ref.: on the progress this team has made)
"I'm very proud of this team. I know Army has been struggling the past few years, and it's good to go out as a senior and know that you've produced a bowl game. It's nice to leave that with the program and know that they will continue to improve in the future."
The Naval Academy football team, represented by head coach Ken Niumatalolo, athletic director Chet Gladchuk, and seniors Calvin Cass Jr., Toneo Gulley, Daniel Gonzales and Amos Mason. gave their thoughts on the Army-Navy Game.
Navy Head Coach Ken Niumatalolo
(Ref.: the Army-Navy Game)
"This is a special rivalry. It's not hatred. It's respect. We respect each other."
"What makes this game special to me are the players. They are so unique. It's a great honor to coach them."
"This is definitely our biggest game of the year. Always has been, always will be."
"It represents our whole country. Everyone knows someone in the Army, Navy or Marine Corps. It affects all of us."
Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk
"When the game is over, the players from both teams come together to serve on the front lines, and that is special."
Navy Senior Linebacker Daniel Gonzales
Ref.: his favorite part of the Army-Navy Game)
"My favorite aspect of the game is coming out of the tunnel. It's a different feel at the Army-Navy Game"
Navy Senior Slot Back Toneo Gulley
(Ref.: Why the Army-Navy Game is so special)
"What you're gonna see is two teams playing for someone other than themselves"
Army and Navy wil take the field at M&T Bank Stadium this Saturday, Dec. 3, for the 117th playing of the Army-Navy Game, presented by USAA. The game will begin at 3 p.m. ET on CBS.