Army Football Sets Military Appreciation Day

Aug 24, 2007
BY Army Athletic Communications

Jeremy Trimble, team captain and wide receiver from Ashburn, Va., is forced out of bounds by Virginia Military Institute players after a large gain and first down last year. The Army Athletic Association will kick off the football season with Military Appreciation Day during West Point's Sept. 8 contest against Rhode Island at historic Michie Stadium. Photo by Eric Bartelt

WEST POINT, N.Y. (Army News Service) - The Army Athletic Association will kick off the football season with Military Appreciation Day during West Point's Sept. 8 contest against Rhode Island at historic Michie Stadium.

A full day of events and promotions are planned for the Black Knights' 2007 home opener. Tickets for military personnel are discounted at $21. An interactive display that previews the newest technology, uniforms and equipment will be featured at Black Knight Alley prior to the contest, and an in-game thank you to service members will be incorporated along with other activities.

"The Army team and West Point community are excited about the opportunity to honor all of our veterans and their service to the nation," said Kevin Anderson, athletics director. "These men and women continue to protect the freedoms we all cherish, and this event allows us to express our gratitude for their service."

Wheels for Warriors will donate a specially equipped vehicle during the contest to Staff Sgt. Luke Shirley, who was wounded in an IED attack near Baghdad last December while serving with the 10th Mountain Division. The presentation will be held in honor of the memory of Lt. Robert Seidel, a 2004 West Point graduate killed May 2006 in Iraq.

Tickets for the Rhode Island contest and all Army home games can be purchased by calling (877) TIX-Army, visiting the official Army athletics Web site at www.goarmysports.com or in person at the Michie Stadium ticket office.

The Black Knights will begin their first season under head coach Stan Brock Sept. 1 in Cleveland, Ohio, against Akron, in the inaugural FirstMerit Patriot Bowl. For a list of games and locations, go to the schedule.