Croquet

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NinoBaldacci

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Can someone explain the croquet tradition at Canoe U? Looks like some AYC members got lost and stumbled onto the yard.
 
NinoBaldacci said:
Can someone explain the croquet tradition at Canoe U? Looks like some AYC members got lost and stumbled onto the yard.
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It’s an annual match against the “Johnnies” of St. John’s College in Annapolis, a neighbor of USNA. They do not have a sports program, so years ago, a croquet match became the annual sporting tradition. The mids have fun with variations of the uniform, townspeople come out in period attire or at least festive spring attire, hats abound, and picnic on the lawn (and imbibe). Great fun.
www.usna.edu

Croquet Match

Croquet Match page for Public Affairs Office at USNA.edu. Updated Sun Apr 18 18:35:27 EDT 2021.
www.usna.edu
C44D5336-2DB3-4676-B436-AF058129964C.jpeg
 
Sounds like a lot of fun!
 
Capt MJ said:
It’s an annual match against the “Johnnies” of St. John’s College in Annapolis, a neighbor of USNA. They do not have a sports program, so years ago, a croquet match became the annual sporting tradition. The mids have fun with variations of the uniform, townspeople come out in period attire or at least festive spring attire, hats abound, and picnic on the lawn (and imbibe). Great fun.
www.usna.edu

Croquet Match

Croquet Match page for Public Affairs Office at USNA.edu. Updated Sun Apr 18 18:35:27 EDT 2021.
www.usna.edu
View attachment 8797
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That picture looks like a match between the Bourgeoisie vs. the Proletariat.
 
cb7893 said:
That picture looks like a match between the Bourgeoisie vs. the Proletariat.
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Exactly why I selected that photo, the Johnnie with the Commie shirt!! Good eye. There are plenty of images on the net, but I wanted mids, Johnnies and festive setting.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
You don't say ;) ! They take their croquet pretty serious.

I think the tradition started in either Spring 84 or '85. I recall it being new when I was there,
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Yes, it was not happening in the late 70's. Back then, the Johnnies competed with Mids in fisticuffs as the Vietnam and Post-Vietnam anti-military sentiment was still very much a "thing" with St Johns.
 
St John’s keeps their ‘uniform’ a secret each year until the start of the match. USNA (28th company) has always worn the all whites. It has grown in popularity over the years to include even a mention in Sports illustrated. It’s an annual spring tradition and a lot of fun. A lot of folks dressing up and a lot of booze generally. Usually hit and miss on weather, but when it’s nice, it is a great day. Plebes from 28th dress in mess dress and serve the upperclass playing. It’s all in done in fun. This year they did not play St John’s due to COVID so they hosted it on the yard and 28th company played the 2 companies that lived at St John’s last semester (also know as 9th wing).
 
OldRetSWO said:
Yes, it was not happening in the late 70's. Back then, the Johnnies competed with Mids in fisticuffs as the Vietnam and Post-Vietnam anti-military sentiment was still very much a "thing" with St Johns.
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> Good point on the post-Vietnam relationship; I think that attempting to improve the relationship between the schools (and student bodies) was one of the original purposes of the Croquet tournament. I'll be honest, other than walking by St Johns from time to time, I really didn't give the Johnnies much thought.....I really don't remember ever meeting one.
 
Old Navy BGO said:
> Good point on the post-Vietnam relationship; I think that attempting to improve the relationship between the schools (and student bodies) was one of the original purposes of the Croquet tournament. I'll be honest, other than walking by St Johns from time to time, I really didn't give the Johnnies much thought.....I really don't remember ever meeting one.
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College Ave in front of St Johns MAY have been a good place for a USNA underclassman to park a car on Saturday night before liberty expiration until retrieval on Sunday morning. Or so I've heard. . .
 
Old Navy BGO said:
> Good point on the post-Vietnam relationship; I think that attempting to improve the relationship between the schools (and student bodies) was one of the original purposes of the Croquet tournament. I'll be honest, other than walking by St Johns from time to time, I really didn't give the Johnnies much thought.....I really don't remember ever meeting one.
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When I was there the relationship with St Johns wasn't hostile or anything, but it wasn't much. I think the two schools have really worked to find opportunities to share thoughts, ideas and even education. From my understanding, previous to COVID, there were opportunities for Mids/Johnnies to sit in on some of the Ethics and Philosophy type classes to foster relationships and discussions. Honestly, I think these types of engagements are good. Helps critical thinking, challenge ideas/thoughts and learn how to debate in a professional manner.
 
Skipper07 said:
the Johnnies entered a crew into the annual keelboat regatta (Navy 26s) my plebe year. They proceeded to tie the outhaul into the head of the main and hoist the clew up the mast...

They should stick to croquet.
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Oh my. Impressive.
 
Skipper07 said:
the Johnnies entered a crew into the annual keelboat regatta (Navy 26s) my plebe year. They proceeded to tie the outhaul into the head of the main and hoist the clew up the mast...

They should stick to croquet.
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So what you're saying is that they fashioned the boom and mast into a pair of scissors? That is outstanding.
 
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