ARMY NAVY

Alumni Weekend:
Warrior Pride Runs Strong
Once a year, hundreds of alumni spanning multiple
generations return to Army and Navy Academy for Alumni
Weekend. Classmates reunite, stories are recalled, and new
memories are made as Warriors of all ages come together
to share in some of their favorite traditions.
This year, the weekend began with the second Annual Elite
Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony. Established by
Coach John Maffucci to recognize the outstanding athletic
performance of Army and Navy Academy Alumni,
inclusion in the Athletic Hall of Fame is the highest honor
that Army and Navy Academy confers upon those who
have excelled as players or coaches throughout the years.
This year’s inductees included:
• Bill Porter ’58- Track & Field
• Fred Knauert ’61- Football
• Stephen Zahniser ’63- Baseball
• Richard Ede ’64- Cross Country & Track
• Dennis Knauert ’66- Football
• William Nugent ’66- Football
Friday morning, alumni assembled on the greens for the
annual Jon Higgins Golf Tournament at the El Camino
Country Club, an event that epitomizes the Warrior family
legacy. The event was presided over by Coach Maffucci and
brought together thirty-three alumni in memory of
alumnus Jon Higgins ‘59, including his wife, Janet Higgins,
who remains a strong supporter of the Academy. Also in
attendance were her son Sam Higgins, son-in-law Brian
Adams, and two grandsons.
Members from both Team Alumni and Team Cadets gather
around the Stoll trophy after the game. For the second time in 2
two years, years, the annual the annual softball softball game game ended ended in a tie. in a tie.
On Saturday, attendees reconvened at the Alumni Association
Meeting and Luncheon, which showcased numerous
historical artifacts carefully curated by Historical Committee
chairman Brad Larsen ’72 and member Mark Sellinger ’86,
along with a video montage paying homage to the 106-year
history of the Academy and honoring those who have
passed. The presentation was dedicated to the memory of
Karl Mangold, beloved Academy tailor and soccer coach
of more than thirty years, who passed away in 2016.
Later that afternoon, alumni headed to the Rec Hall for
happy hour and enjoyed refreshments and a stunning view
of the sunset. After happy hour, many alumni proceeded to
the beach for a barbecue, while others dispersed for their
individual class dinners. The Class of ’66 celebrated their
50th reunion with Coach Maffucci at West Steakhouse,
and other classes enjoyed the diverse selection of fine
dining options that Carlsbad has to offer.
The weekend capped off with a Military Review and
Awards Presentation, which included a full Cadet parade
and honored outstanding seniors for their excellence in
academics and service. The ceremony was attended by
numerous veterans of world wars and concluded with the
highly coveted Golden “A” Awards, which are conferred
annually on alumni of distinction for their service and
contributions to the Alumni community. Recipients
included Rusty Walker ’67, John Parsons ’72, and Mark
Sellinger ’86.
It was wonderful to have so many Warriors back on campus
and the Army and Navy Academy community looks
forward to next year’s Alumni Weekend, May 18-21, 2017.
Several Alumni pose for a picture on the deck of the Rec Hall
during the Mug Social.
Members of the Higgins Family attended the golf tournament
in memory of Jon Higgins '59.
Generations of alumni gathered for a group photo on the steps
of Davis Hall during Alumni Weekend.
On Sunday morning, alumni met back on campus for the
Alumni-Senior brunch which was followed by the Long
Grey Line, a symbolic passing of the torch where alumni
line up to shake the hands of each member of the
graduating Class of 2016. At the end of the line, the
Seniors received a pin and shook hands with the Chairman
of the Board of Trustees Barry Shreiar (Nick ’14), and
Alumni Association President Ken Hughey ’83, who
welcomed them to the alumni community.
The group of golfers who participated in the Jon Higgins Annual
Golf Tournament.
Assistant Athletic Director, Craig Matthews calls the Alumni team
out at first as James Telfer from the Mess Hall declares him safe. Safe.
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