Wake Forest Athletics
100% Cotten: The Long Gray Line
10/14/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 14, 2013
This article was originally published in the October 2013 edition of Gold Rush.
By Stan Cotten, Gold Rush
It was Friday, early afternoon. Fourteen falls had come and gone since I had last been to West Point when the football travel party rolled through the Stony Lonesome Gate the day before Wake Forest's game at Army. We were now on the campus of the United States Military Academy, about 50 miles north of New York City on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River.
I don't remember much of what I felt back in 1999 under very similar circumstances. My memory of that last time the Deacons had played the Black Knights in football was only of two things. One, Wake Forest had won the game. Second, that was one bad press box.
I'm also willing to admit that I'm disappointed in myself that that's about all I remember from my first trip to what I now know and admit is hallowed ground. I didn't have the opportunity the first time. But this time through the heavily protected gate I was determined to pay attention and take it all in. And to my surprise and delight, the travel party was taken on a brief walking tour around the central portion of campus with perfect sightlines to many of the historic neogothic buildings of black and gray granite. Talk about higher education.
We were taken inside the behemoth of a dining hall where 4,000-plus cadets eat the first two meals of the day together, all at the same time, under strict guidelines. Everything in its place and in its time. The Army way. I chuckled to myself about this at lunch as we served ourselves buffet style at the First Class Club after passing through the Beat Navy Tunnel (its real name). Compared to the buttoned up meals the cadets experience on a daily basis, ours must have appeared more a Neanderthal free for all. I also had to smile at the banner that was prominently displayed inside: BEAT WAKE FOREST!
Gamesmanship? I doubt it. The banner had likely been there all week, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
What I appreciated most, though, during our on-campus visit was the opportunity to mingle among the cadets going about their everyday business. To look into the eyes of the young men and women who sooner than later would carry the weight of an entire nation on their shoulders. These are special people. And I was honored to be in their presence.
And I know the Deacons felt privileged to compete against those cadets on the Army football team. They said as much. It's always a test to face one of the Academies (Army, Navy, Air Force) knowing that sports to them, both practice and games, is likely the easiest part of their day. They will give you what they have for the entire contest, regardless of the score. At game's end, no matter the outcome, both teams are better for it. I know that Wake Forest desires to continue playing these series. And that is a very good thing.
The Deacons had a pretty good day against the Black Knights that day. After somewhat of a slow start, the Deacs gained their focus and were able to finish better than they had during the season up until that point. Leaving hostile territory with a win is always a good thing. I think it's safe to say when you leave the U.S. Army a winner, it's also a very good thing.
I'm sure the details of the game will fade in my memory when another 14 years have passed. But I'll never forget the weekend. The statue of General George Washington. And Douglas MacArthur. The impressive buildings. The "Plain" as it's called, the parade field which is the site of the longest continually occupied Army garrison since 1778. And the kids, the newest members of the Long Gray Line who volunteer for the toughest job in the world.
For sure I'll remember that Wake won the game. And one other thing will be burned into my brain. The view. That hasn't changed much in 200 years.
Looking over the top of Michie Stadium, you see across the Hudson into the Catskill Mountains. A real take your breath away kind of deal. And when it's done from a new press box, well, that's even better.
