Special experience for local Mids
They cross paths at airports and run into each other in hotels all over the country.
They can be spotted waiting outside the Navy locker room after games, whether home or away.
They have provided unfailing moral and mental support for the last five years.
That is why senior day is going to be every bit as emotional for the parents of Zach Abey (Archbishop Spalding), Jake Hawk (Meade) and Jarid Ryan (Severn) as it will be for the players themselves.
“This has been an amazing journey. I can’t thank Jarid enough to allowing me to be part of it all,” Sharrone Ryan said. “I’ve been very emotional for the last few days with service selection and Senior Day coming in the same week. I’m so overwhelmed with joy. This has been an awesome experience and I’m just so grateful to have a wonderful son like Jarid.”
Navy will honor its 34 seniors during a pre-game ceremony today prior to playing Cincinnati in the home finale at NavyMarine Corps Memorial Stadium. Don and Jeanne Abey know they will have tears in their eyes as they escort Zach onto the field for the last time.
“It’s been a fun and exciting ride. It’s hard to believe that it’s going to be over with soon,” Jeanne Abey said. “To have your son play football for Navy is very special.”
John Hawk served 20 years in the United States Army and met his wife while stationed in Panama. Hawk’s last tour of duty took him to Fort George G. Meade and he still works on base doing contract work now that he has retired.
Despite that strong Army connection, John and Nadgee Hawk have become diehard Navy fans.
“It’s been a great five years if you count the prep school. I can’t believe it’s almost over. Those five years have really flown by,” Nadgee Hawk said.