Gridiron Glory: The Story of the Army-Navy Football Rivalry
The annual Army-Navy football game maintains much of its historical mystique, even though it's been many years since either team has infiltrated the national rankings. Wilner and Rappoport briefly cover the 1890 origins of the clash and the years prior to World War II, when Army stars Doc Blanchard and Glenn Davis, known as "Mr. Inside" and "Mr. Outside" for their running styles, brought unparalleled attention to the rivalry. The authors provide accounts of memorable games, profile the all-time best players--including five Heisman Trophy winners--and describe the more recent games when quality football took a backseat to pageantry and tradition. They compellingly portray the pathos and irony of young men attaching so much significance to a game of little importance when compared to the potential sacrifices they may be asked to make in service to America. This is a tightly presented history of an athletic endeavor that captures the essence of amateur sport.Wes LukowskyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved