‘Special’ matchup awaits archrivals

Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy awaits winner of Army-Navy showdown

PHILADELPHIA — The object of service academy football teams’ affections was on display during the Army-Navy media event.

The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy was prominently displayed on a pedestal during the luncheon held on the club level of Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday. Many of those in attendance posed for pictures with the prestigious piece of hardware, awarded annually to the winner of the service academy competition among Air Force, Army West Point and Navy.

It is rare for the Commander- i nChief’s Trophy to be on the line during t he Army- Navy game. It has only happened seven times since the trophy was established in 1972 and just twice since 1978.

Last time it happened was 2012 and Navy defeated Army, 17-13, to reclaim the trophy from Air Force, which had held it for two years. The Black Knights and Midshipmen have split the six previous games when the CIC Trophy was up for grabs.

“Just to play Army is a big deal. To play for the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy makes it even more special,” Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo said.

Navy has captured the trophy 15 times with 10 of those titles coming between 2003 and 2015. Army has held the 175-pound, three-sided piece of hardware just six times and not since 1996.

Fourth-year Army coach Jeff Monken did not need to be reminded how long it’s been. Philadelphia Dec. 9, 3 p.m. TV: Chs. 13, 9 Radio: 1090 AM, 1430 AM