Navy Head Coach Brian Newberry (far left), Co-Captains Daba Fofana (near left), and Colin Ramos (Right) join President Trump (Center) for the presentation of the CIC Trophy. White House video screenshot.
The Midshipmen of The United States Naval Academy had a stellar 10-3 record for the 2024 season. But no two victories were more important then those secured against The Air Force Academy and West Point. Those victories secured the bragging rights to Commander-In-Chief Trophy and earned them a trip to the White House.
The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy is awarded annually to the winner of the three-way series among the United States Military Academy (Army), the United States Naval Academy (Navy), and the United States Air Force Academy (Air Force).
It was first awarded in 1972 and is presented by the President of the United States to the team with the best record in the round-robin competition. If there’s a tie, the trophy is shared, but the previous winner retains possession.
The trophy symbolizes service academy supremacy and is highly prestigious because of the fierce rivalry among the military academies.
On Tuesday, the Navy Midshipmen joined President Trump at the White House for the presentation of the trophy.
President Trump was in good spirits as he joked with the team and invited several players to join him at the podium to say a few words.
“Number one, at ease. Enjoy yourselves. I’m the boss here,” he said as the team chuckled.
The President called out some of Navy’s most exceptional players, including co-captain and fullback Daba Fofana and invited Fofana to say a few words.
Navy co-captain Daba Fofana
“I’m just going to say we couldn’t have done it with Coach Brian Newberry right here. My co-captain here, Colin Ramos and everyone buying into the mission. I’m excited, praise the Lord.”
President Trump then invited standout Quarterback Blake Horvath to say a few words.
Navy quarterback Blake Horvath
“It’s an honor to share this stage with President Trump,” Horvath said. “I speak for the team when I say that, so thank you for having us.”
“It’s all about the team…trophy is team, team. team. Great honor, so thank you.”
Trump asked Horvath if he will be next year to which Horvath, who will be a firstie (senior) affirmed he will lead the team again next season.
“Whoa…..I am going to be watching,” the President said as the team laughed.
The President then invited noseguard Landon Robinson to speak. Robinson faked a fourth-down punt and ran for a touchdown, securing the victory against Army.
Landon Robinson
“First off, I would like to thank the President for inviting us…super thankful. I wouldn’t be here without my teammates and for my coaches calling the play and making sure it was open to run it. Super thankful and looking forward to the years to come.”
Navy Head Coach Brian Newberry also addressed the group and accepted the trophy on behalf of his team.
“We are humbled and grateful to be here. The highest honor and the most tangible goal in our program is to be standing here in the White House with our Commander-in-Chief.”
“In a little over a month, these 23 seniors will graduate and commission as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps under your command, Mr. President. And they will do so with tremendous character and the core values of duty, honor, courage, and commitment.”
Newberry added, “Mr. President, this is your team. America’s team.”
He concluded, “Go Navy, beat everybody.”
Watch:
After the ceremony, President Trump invited the entire team back to the Oval Office for a special moment.
The post Heartwarming Presentation of Commander-In-Chief Trophy to Navy Midshipmen at the White House: “It is an Honor to Share This Stage with President Trump-I Speak for the Team When I Say That” appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.