Air Force-Navy Game Continues Uninterrupted Despite Shutdown
The Air Force-Navy football game is set to proceed as scheduled in Annapolis, Maryland, despite ongoing government shutdown issues. The event, a long-standing tradition between the two service academies, remains unaffected at the game level. However, the financial strain caused by the shutdown is influencing the overall athletic departments at both academies.
Impact of the Government Shutdown on Athletic Departments
The Naval Academy Athletic Association, which operates independently since 1891, helps mitigate some disruptions caused by government actions. Scott Strasemeier, the senior associate athletic director at Navy, stated that while some civilian coaches face problems due to their government employment, the football program remains staffed by coaches unaffected by the shutdown.
Navy’s Current Athletic Coaching Situation
- A few Olympic sports teams have been impacted.
- Coaches involved in PE teaching are still under government payroll.
- All teams continue practicing and competing unaffected.
Air Force is also grappling with shutdown ramifications. Automated emails indicate that Troy Garnhart, the associate athletic director for communications, cannot attend to his responsibilities due to the shutdown. Specifically, he is a civilian employee managing media for the football program.
Media Coverage and Event Management
As a result of these circumstances, Air Force will not stream home athletic events. Communications regarding game updates will also be notably slower than usual. In contrast to previous shutdowns in 2018, which saw numerous cancellations, the Air Force Academy announced that all scheduled intercollegiate athletic events will continue uninterrupted during this shutdown.
Funding for these events is assured. The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation (AFAAC) is stepping in to provide necessary travel and logistical support. This ensures that Air Force’s intercollegiate athletics can maintain its schedule and support student-athletes, despite the ongoing challenges from the government shutdown.
