Southwest Airlines should thank NAVY fans

Surprised, a little. Of course, then again, these were Navy Football fans.

As I boarded the plane, it was quite apparent, Navy Football fans were once again ready to represent in high numbers at Reliant Stadium on Thursday for the Texas Bowl against Big 12 foe Missouri.

In fact, if not for Navy fans, this flight would have been say, 25% full. Southwest Airlines quietly Im sure sends its best to the Mids for qualifying again for a bowl game.

What an experience it is to be involved with one of the classiest programs in all of sports. We're reminded just how good we have it when we show up and oh by the way President George Herbert Walker Bush is wearing a Navy Football hat on our sidelines before the game shaking hands with anyone who asked and taking pictures. I merely was satisfied with the handshake since I dont have a fancy camera phone foe someone to take it for me.

Houston overall, was exceptional, for a second time this year to Navy as the Mids routed Rice earlier this year, 63-14. This time the Mids were a couple of red zone miscues from a similar rout. In a repeat of the Rice game, it was apparent there were many more here for the blue and gold then the black and gold, and thats a school with 30,200 students!

Navy's coaches were incredible in the little time time to prepare for a talented Missouri team. Navy's offense came out up tempo with no-huddle. Navy's defense came out with two down lineman. All week long we heard how big Missouri was, but, they never really used it to their advantage. Navy's defense made life miserable for quarterback Blaine Gabbert, he could have been picked four maybe even five times. Ricky Dobbs was well, Ricky Dobbs. Despite some careless ball handling in the red zone, his reads were right on, as the Mids rushed for 385 yards, two guys over 100-yards (Dobbs and Marcus Curry) and slot backs Bobby Doyle, Gee Gee Greene and Cory Finnerty all had productive days. Brady DeMell had to step up at center as he did a great job.

But the real winners besides Navy, were the fans, as Houston does an exceptional job of hosting, despite chilly weather, and the food in the southwest is awesome. Our hotel, the J.W. Marriott was first rate, though, lesser hotels down the street, had free wi-fi, JW makes you pay. But, if thats the only thing you can find wrong with the place, thats not bad, overall a 98% for me. Beds were comfortable, room service timely, and you know your in a great hotel when there is a phone in the BATHROOM!

Southwest was on time as usual for me on the way down. Also engaged in great conversation with Navy Grad GREG Olson on the way down and got a ride to the hotel.

HOUSTON overall was a great place, the Galleria rocks, the people were hospitable, a joy to socialize with and Navy Football again proves why its a great business partner now in College Football.

On one final note, Im a sap when it comes to stuff like this. As someone who gets to work closely with these people during the season, seeing the work they put in week-to-week to acheive goals that many college football fans would never think a team of this physical makeup could attain.Its about the respect the program has for everyone in it. The doctors and trainers whose work goes unnoticed on the surface, the support staff of Greg Morgethaler and his group, the marketing people who sell this program and the administrators who support it to the best of its abilities. AD Chet Gladchuck, Superintendent Jeff Fowler, as well as O-reps, and academic advisors who help keep the kids on task.

Navy's sports information department makes broadcasting Navy Football one of the easiest tasks a broadcaster could ask for. There isnt a request that goes denied, (just ask me and Bill Wagner as we have a worse on-time record then some airlines) and there isnt a piece of information not uncovered.

I for one will miss current Commandant of the brigade, Capt. Matt Klunder. I will miss his enthusiasm for the student athletes. Not just football players either. He went off the high dive too when Navy swept Army in Swimming too! I will miss he 63 pushups we did at Rice. I will miss his conversations during games, but I will miss the always respectful handshake he always offered when ever he saw you. There isnt a finer guy you could pick for Admiral Select.

Watching kids like Ross Pospisil, Curtis Bass, Osei Asante, and many of the other Texas kids, and the other selfless seniors, like Doyle and Finnerty, and how about Jack Hatcher, finally getting in for his first ever play in a Navy uniform and now he can tell his family years from now he was tackled , actually lifted up in the air with a perfect from tackle by future pro Sean Witherspoon from Missouri. Seeing their satisfaction and celebration, the hugs between the coaches, in a win-now mentality of sports, its all worth it and I dont think your human if you didn't share a tear of joy for the boys in blue and gold, who for seven straight years have given Navy fans the best that this program and institution have to offer. Classy on the field and off, Navy football 2009 will go down as one the best in Academy History. Thanks to the men and women who make Navy Football what it is.