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The President's Team

The 1963 Army-Navy Game and the Assassination of JFK

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

President John F. Kennedy, a former naval hero and a passionate football fan, was looking forward to watching the Midshipmen take on the Cadets at the annual Army-Navy game on November 30, 1963. "I hope to be on the winning side when the game ends," he telegrammed the Navy coach on November 20. Two days later, the president was assassinated in Dallas, changing the nation forever. Exploring the close relationship between President Kennedy and the Navy football squad of the early 1960s, author Michael Connelly describes how the 1963 Army-Navy game—-which was played on December 7 after an initial postponement—-served as a welcome distraction for a nation in mourning while provding a opportunity to honor JFK's memory. Connelly ties together the historic Army-Navy rivalry with the changing political landscape of the 1960s, both at home and overseas. The President's Team delves into Kennedy's love of football and the special bond he established with many of the Navy players, including Heisman winner and former Hall of Famer Roger Staubach.

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    • Library Journal

      January 15, 2010
      "Boston Herald" sportswriter Connelly ("Rebound!") offers a fresh take on the early 1960s by exploring the connection between touch-football-playing war hero President John F. Kennedy and the successful Naval Academy football team that produced two Heisman Trophy winners, Joe Bellino and Roger Staubach, in four years. Relying on research and on his own interviews, the author goes through the 1963 season game by game with the nationally ranked Midshipmen losing only to Southern Methodist in a rough October contest in Dallas. Just before the much-anticipated annual battle with 7-2 Army, though, the President was assassinated in the seminal horrific event of the era. With the nation in mourning, the game was delayed, but when the sobered service teams finally met, it was a thrilling contest that wasn't decided until the final play at the goal line. Navy won and was invited to play top-ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl, but on New Year's Day Navy once again met defeat in Dallas. Connelly concludes the book by telling where the players are now. VERDICT A fascinating glimpse at a time still in memory but far gone from today; recommended for all college football fans.John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Lib., Camden, NJ

      Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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  • English

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