Herndon 2010

jennyp

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Anyone else going to Herndon? I am super excited. My oldest son and I will be able to attend!
 
Definitely

Looking forward to it, relaxed trip to watch the plebes celebrate being plebes no more!
 
Anyone else going to Herndon? I am super excited. My oldest son and I will be able to attend!

I'll be there. I think Herndon is one of the most entertaining events of the week. I would believe that even if I didn't have two sons in the plebe class.

I doubt my sons are going to participate in any meaningful way because I advised them that they are far too tall and thin to have a useful role. One of my twins is on the plebe Herndon strategy committee.

Every year the plebes have a "strategy" for how they are going to climb Herndon in about 15 minutes.

Typically, it takes 90 minutes, plus or minus, depending on how soon they realize they have to be more organized.

In the "old" days, they use to surround Herndon with a mud pit in addition to the lard. It was a mess!

However, the academy ground crew would have it looking beautiful the very next day - with new sod. You would never know what happened the day before. It was truly an amazing transformation.
 
I'll be there ... camera in hand ... soooo looking forward to seeing No. 1 son! and he is sooo looking forward to NOT being a plebe ...

does the hazing stop when Herndon is scaled?
 
Herndon strategy committee.

Is there really one? I don't recall us having one. Though, I thought it would be a good idea to tie a lot of shirts together with a loop on the top and then lasso it to the top. Then it is simple, just climb up the "rope."

does the hazing stop when Herndon is scaled?
Hazing? What is that?
 
OK, might as well start game-planning now. Seeking advice from those who have been there before:

(1) best observation spot?,

(2) time prior to event that I need to be at my post?,

(3) any other useful advice?

DD could be in the pile or could be on the outskirts cheering on her fellow Plebes, but you need to be in position for that camera shot just in case.
 
Great question 2013MidDad!!

I am planning to be there to cheer them on to the top of Herndon!!

GoNavyMom
 
re: Herndon Strategy Committee

Is there really one?

Officially? No.

Many classes have organized meetings to come up with innovative plans to climb Herndon. I remember my class ('79) actually had an all-hands meeting in Mahan Hall to discuss. We even designated the individuals who would link arms and form "the base."

Ultimately, we pretty much climbed it in the same way as every previous class. But I do recall us having a decent time.

I don't recall us having one. Though, I thought it would be a good idea to tie a lot of shirts together with a loop on the top and then lasso it to the top. Then it is simple, just climb up the "rope."

I've also thought the same thing. But that would take patience. The excitement of the moment tends to work against the plebes. It creates chaos. Chaos creates disorganization.
 
Boohoo, I had to cancel my trip, but I will be glued to my computer and cheer from home. Does that count?
 
Of course it counts!

My plebe tells me that there is indeed a strategy committe, but that he, and most everyone else, expects whatever strategy is agreed upon to fall apart within minutes ...
 
Of course it counts!

My plebe tells me that there is indeed a strategy committe, but that he, and most everyone else, expects whatever strategy is agreed upon to fall apart within minutes ...

That seems to be the same strategy they use every year. It is a lot of fun. Be sure to bring a chair. You could be there a while.
 
OK, might as well start game-planning now. Seeking advice from those who have been there before:

(1) best observation spot?,

(2) time prior to event that I need to be at my post?,

(3) any other useful advice?

DD could be in the pile or could be on the outskirts cheering on her fellow Plebes, but you need to be in position for that camera shot just in case.

My personal answers:
(1) You never know which side of the monument from which that instant of success will come, so set up camp anywhere around the perimeter.
(2) Members of 2012 will helpfully "prepare" the monument for the Plebes during the morning. We had almost as much fun watching them, and taking "before" and "after" pictures as the climb itself. Around 0800 the monument was still pristine. It took 2011 ~1 hour to grease it. Not sure, but I think they started about 1000?
(3)Agree that it's good to take a fold-up chair/blanket to sit on. Sunscreen, drinks, and snacks are all good to have.
 
I suggest going this year, because it may be the last time you'll see it.

Traditional climb at Naval Academy could end

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 12:34 pm
By The Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS - The head of the U.S. Naval Academy says a traditional climb on a 21-foot obelisk greased with 200 pounds of lard may be on its way out.

Vice Admiral Jeffrey Fowler said Wednesday during a regular end-of-school briefing that the Herndon Monument climb is still scheduled this month. But he says he believes midshipmen will decide it's not as good a gauge of teamwork as the academy's Sea Trials, which involve all first-year students in an all-day obstacle course competition.

Fowler also says safety is a concern during the Herndon Monument climb, and students have injured themselves climbing over each other. Fowler says it's unclear, though, when the climb will actually be nixed.

It's believed the tradition began in 1907.
 
When you see this, believe it.

Correction: When you DON'T see this, believe it!:bang::thumb::thumbdown:
 
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What a joke. Safety is a concern? They are going to War!!!:eek:
 
In just a few months, VADM Fowler won't be Supe. If he didn't nix this one, he's not likely to have a say next year or thereafter. I'd be more concerned if the new Dant or probable new Supe had made that comment.
 
Just a question- Has anyone ever been hurt in Sea Trials?

Absolutely, yes!

In fact, they have eliminated some of the "stations" this year because too many injuries were resulting. I believe that this year's Sea Trials will be a few hours shorter than previous for exactly that reason.

One of the "evolutions" that has been eliminated is jumping across water and clinging onto a cargo net. That one was causing LOTS of injuries. They've eliminated it. Plebes were getting caught in the net while falling and were getting shoulders torn of their socket, twisted ankles, and hyper-extended tendons/joints ... then they'd go on their Youngster cruise with their arm in a sling.

My guess is that Herndon causes less injuries. First of all, only a small percentage of the class actually participates in the climbing of Herndon. Most of them will just cheer on their classmates. That's fun, too.
 
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