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Navy center Antron Harper said the Midshipmen take pride in playing with a chip on their shoulders.
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Navy’s offensive line knew what to expect from Ken Niumatalolo as soon as he was promoted to head coach on Saturday, fewer than 24 hours after Paul Johnson was hired by Georgia Tech.
Niumatalolo’s message to the undersized unit remained the same as the group’s former position coach for the past six years conducted practice on a chilly autumn afternoon at the school’s practice facility overlooking the Severn River.
“He always talks about focus and always having your mind on what you are doing and he told us that again after practice yesterday as a team,” senior center Antron Harper said. “All your attention has to be on football when you step onto the field.”
The focus Niumatalolo has instilled in the Midshipmen has given the squad one of the country’s most potent rushing attacks. Navy leads the nation in rushing, averaging 351.5 yards per game to go along with 51 touchdowns entering the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. against Utah in San Diego.
“We play with a chip on our shoulder, and we take pride in those three rushing titles coach is always going to have us ready to go just like a cage match,” Harper said. “I’m just ready to hit the field and see what happens with Utah.”
Navy (8-4) will unleash it triple-option attack on Utah (8-4) at Qualcomm Stadium in front of a national television audience on ESPN. But the spotlight will be as much on Niumatalolo as his players after the 42-year-old replaced Johnson, who went 45-29 at Navy, where he led the team to the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and a bowl game in each of the past five years — both Academy firsts.
But to Niumatalolo — the first coach of Polynesian heritage in NCAA football history — it was paramount to make a smooth transition during his promotion.
“I just wanted to keep things as normal as possible,” he said.
He succeeded.
“He’s a technician and he coaches the smallest detail from your first step through your blocking, and its helped me be successful,” said Harper, who is just 5-foot-11 and 272 pounds. “For not being the biggest guy, having great technique is something he’s harped on and you can tell the difference.”
POINSETTIA BOWL: MIDSHIPMEN (8-4) VS. UTAH UTES (8-4)
» Kickoff: Dec. 20 , 9 p.m.
» Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
» TV/Radio: ESPN, 1090 AM, 1430 AM
» Tickets: Available
dcarey@baltimoreexaminer.com
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ARTICLE HISTORY 
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7:24 AM MST on Tue., Mar. 25, 2008 re: "Navy, new coach start spring practices"
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Examiner Reader said:
The spring game is actually April 18 @ 7pm.
2 agree | 4 disagree
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Former Player said:
I will admit that when I heard Coach Johnson left Navy I was disappointed and nervous with what direction Navy football would go. After they promoted Coach Niumatalolo to Head Coach, I can honestly say that I am more excited about Navy football now then I have ever been. I played for coach Niumat for 2 years and he is by far the best coach I have ever been around. His knowledge of the triple option not only rivals the creator's (Coach Johnson), his ability to connect with each player at a much deeper level will allow him to bring out the very best in each player and put together a cohesive group of young men that believe in themselves as well as their coaches! Go Navy, Beat Everyone!
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Examiner Reader said:
With all due respect to the Adm Fowler, he doesn't even attend his own year group's tailgaters. He's focused on the mission, just not much of a social butterfly. His communication skills aren't lacking, they're non-existent and that's the crux of the problem. He hasn't had a Supe's call for the Brigade since he initiated changes just prior to the academic year starting. He might have a great plan, but, no one knows where he's headed, only he does. Now for football. Navy just needs the defense to make a few stops and the offense can put the points on the board. Fifty two points should be enough to win any game. The Irish offense probably can't wait to get on the field Saturday. Go Navy! Beat the Notre Dame!
164 agree | 136 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Nuc Sumariners are very capable people who are trained to leave nothing to chance in accomplishing their mission. That's why we never hear about submarine related nuclear incidents. Unfortunately, we HAVE heard about submarine collisions, which has prompted the sub community leadership to remind the troops that in their zeal to make sure the plant runs safely, they also need to occasionally get their heads up above the deckplates and watch where they're going ! In like fashion, it sounds like Adm Fowler needs to come up to the bridge and get a sniff of some fresh air. And he should take a look around while he's up there. There's more to making a good officer than attending to academic and military training. How about some balance, Admiral? It's called the Whole Man/Woman Concept, or even the "Big Picture".
131 agree | 119 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
This guy is a loose cannon. In an effort to 'make a name for himself,' he places his individual ego and arrogance above the morale and spirit of the Naval Academy and the armed forces in general. As a Naval Academy graduate, I'm embarrassed by his poor example of leadership.
129 agree | 111 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Annapolis, MD (WTF). VADM Fowler today issued a statement via his command judge advocate general (JAG) that the Academy is seriously considering cancelling this year's Army-Navy football game. VADM Fowler's statement explained that the game's proximity to final exams and the Christmas holiday was causing a lot of angst in the Brigade and might "serve as a distraction". He further explained that although the decision might be unpopular, his job is "not to do the popular thing but rather the right thing." The Superintendent emphasized that this move was not unprecedented. "In 1917 and 1918, the Army-Navy game was not played due to WWI. What better way to reinforce the fact that we're at war than to cancel the Army-Navy game?" The Admiral's statement stressed that the decision was not final, but an Academy spokesman said "I wouldn't be booking any rooms in Baltimore if I were you."
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Examiner Reader said:
I'm traveling up writing "Free the Brigade" on the back window in protest to Fowler. Dumb Nuke move. Know what I mean, Vern?
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Examiner Reader said:
Look at the financial headaches this could cause
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Examiner Reader said:
The Midshipmen are miserable with the changes and the Supe has one of the worst leadership examples set forth in the navy. You would not have wanted to be on his ship. Sad day for Navy.
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Examiner Reader said:
We've been a nation "at war" for almost 6 years now and only the services have been sacrificing, not the country "at large." It sounds like Adm Fowler is going to try to reverse this in his small way. Guess what -- it's DUMB! Making the Brigade of of Midshipmen the "sacrificial lamb" will not compensate for the nation's indifference and their overall lack involvement. He might even be manifesting the Navy's overall lack of involvement, in comparison to the Marines and Army. I wonder how many top notch Midies are now contemplating transfering. If I was a youngster, I probably would -- and I served for 20 years in the Artillery and Military Intel. Dumb Admiral! ...just dumb.
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Examiner Reader said:
To quote President George W. Bush, "Join today's military and you're history."
176 agree | 119 disagree
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USNA Alum [Ancient Mariner] said:
I have no qualms about and support the return to mandatory study hours ... it is the way I and thousands of others went through 4 years at "the Boat School/Canoe U/Sing Sing on the Severn" and benefited therefrom. I also agree with the Admiral's dedication to USNA's Mission. However, that said, I think he has gone off the deep end and over-reacted. The Team and the Brigade are a powerful recruiting tool and the Team is a necessary morale element for the Brigade, just as the Brigade is for the Team. I believe the Supe should have listened more before he leapt to lead. Hopefully, he will see the errors and correct them which is the sign of a true leader. Meanwhile, all he has accomplished is giving credence to the Brigade's nickname for the Academy's Admin ... the Dark Side !
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Examiner Reader said:
Admiral Fowler sent an open letter to Midshipman parents that reads in part: .... Since my change of command I have been using the Chief of Naval Operations’ approach for taking on a new position of responsibility: listen, learn, and lead. I have spent the summer listening and learning, and now it is time for me to lead. My Senior Leadership Team and I want to make sure our course is set to prepare your sons and daughters to become the best junior officers in the Fleet; officers with competence, character, and compassion..... ... Every member of our Naval Academy team must be focused on developing midshipmen morally, mentally, and physically for the privilege of serving as leaders of Sailors and Marines who volunteered to serve their country. Develop is an active verb requiring intrusive leadership from staff, faculty, and coaches. We must direct and facilitate the development of our midshipmen to accomplish the mission with a sense of urgency....
146 agree | 139 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
With the sweeping changes Admiral Fowler proposes, including cancelling movement orders to sports events and cancelling musical groups/concerts, I would think some alumni would start calling their congressmen/senators. I know some parents have begun. Most of us that sent our kids to USNA sent intelligent, emotionally mature over-achievers that have NOT needed babysitting in quite some time.
197 agree | 147 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Great idea Supe Fowler. We certianly wouldn't want the Midshipman to have any personal enjoyment during the four years they have as young adults waiting to possibly sacrifice their lives for our country. Best to have them locked down and preparing to go to war. If we treated our other military members who were at home waiting for deployment this way there would be public outcry. Let us not forget that these men and women are enlisted and considered active duty military.
187 agree | 145 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
With 3,000+ Midshipmen back in Annapolis not being distracted by the Navy football game, I wonder how the Superintendent and Commandant can be at the game. Surely they're not distracted by football while their troops are back home as they prepare to serve. I don't think the fleet cares whether or not Midshipment are at a football game on a Friday night supporting their team. Leaving them all at home doesn't show any support for the Navy-Marine Corps team. This shows a lack of vision. If all is well and the Academy is fine as the leadership states, then this direction stems from some sort of ill that the team wants to correct. Granted, the Academy has had some problems with specific Mids. No college/university is without problems. These Mids that were responsible were held accountable. If this is being done to effect change, that's one thing. Leaving the Brigade to attend an evening meal formation and leave no time to support THEIR team doesn't show suppor
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