Time to Sell the Television Rights to the Herndon Monument Climb

[Big Ugly]

Yesterday I was talking to a young doctor who swam for Columbia University; when I mentioned Navy Swimming she was so excited to segue the conversation to the Herndon Monument Climb. It occurred to me from my statistical basis of one that the academy should consider selling the television rights to that live event. I believe there is no other event that comes close to matching the drama and heartbreak of those young men and women struggling together to meet a historic challenge. Better camera work and a little behind the scenes filler and the money flowing from the television rights could be spread amongst the 30 companies of Bancroft Hall. I think the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing student athletes to receive relatively modest compensation should cover any complaints from the N.C.A.A.

The first nationally televised Army-Navy Game was in 1945; it is time the Herndon Monument Climb received the same attention.

 

[IronmanDaremo]

Big fiscal law question that would have to be answered by the JAG corps ........

 

[shiner]

I see no legal issue - we televise other Service Academy sporting events. I vote for it to be carried on 'The Ocho' - espn 8.

In my personal opinion, SWO Ship Selection night would also make for riveting television.

 

[Tom Nicholas]

We'd love to watch both of these events each year and I bet television would have no problem selling commercial time. It would be cool to see a kind of profile card with each Mid; home town / high school, major, USNA activities, and other fun little details. Like we see on ESPN or other networks.

 

[Heatherg21]

My plebe was on an LREC and missed the climb. Yet I found myself riveted. Even when it went way too long. They kept fighting and trying and the joy at the end was palatable.
I think broadcasting it would be fun. Same with ship selection. Maybe taxpayers could become educated and learn about academies and service. We can’t just rely on a once in n a lifetime NFL player to share the service academy stories with the general citizen.

 

[SpectacularDiver24]

Cant wait to fold like a cheap armchair when I do this.

 

[Big Ugly]

 

[MidCakePa]

Best way to ruin the Herndon Climb? Put it on television in an attempt to monetize it. Like every other “sporting event” that TV touches, it’ll be tweaked and then modified and then bastardized for the sake of more money. Broadcast bigwigs will find ways to increase their take, which usually comes at the expense of the event’s tradition and sanctity. Won’t happen right away, but in a few years the quaint and poignant rite of passage may be barely recognizable in it’s made-for-television reincarnation.

If I want to watch it, I’ll be just fine with my USNA video feed, thank you very much.

 

[Tom Nicholas]

Best way to ruin the Herndon Climb? Put it on television in an attempt to monetize it. Like every other “sporting event” that TV touches, it’ll be tweaked and then modified and then bastardized for the sake of more money. Broadcast bigwigs will find ways to increase their take, which usually comes at the expense of the event’s tradition and sanctity. Won’t happen right away, but in a few years the quaint and poignant rite of passage may be barely recognizable in it’s made-for-television reincarnation.

If I want to watch it, I’ll be just fine with my USNA video feed, thank you very much.

My thought had nothing to do with making money; just raising awareness. Internet streaming does that if they can get the word out.

 

[Big Ugly]

I was witness to the USNA video feed this past spring. They could not have done a worse job if they had set out to accomplish that goal.

So I think a compromise is in order; could we monetize the event a wee bit; I’m not talking about NASCAR level endorsements but let’s say the money raised goes toward a needy charity and a small amount of the money is used to increase the quality of the video experience for the parents, alumni, and the potential future plebes who might come across the event. Charity events deserve an oversight board and who better to select for that responsibility than the mids who run the event; and they shall, with clarity of purpose and a purity of will, preserve the wholesomeness of the event.

Remember, just a wee bit of money.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

Like every other “sporting event” that TV touches, it’ll be tweaked and then modified and then bastardized for the sake of more money

In my personal opinion, SWO Ship Selection night would also make for riveting television.

Even when it went way too long. They kept fighting and trying and the joy at the end was palatable.

Don't want to be the buzz kill here, but the truth is --there are probably less than 5000 people in the country who would tune in to watch either Herndon or Ship Selection from start to finish (that's assuming 2 parents, 2.5 Midsibs, and a handful of relatives). It may be exciting when you have a dog in the fight, but Midcake is right -- the only way you are going to make it even a bit interesting is start adding color commentary and historical information.... and change the character of the event.

A viewing tip -- it is exciting to watch the beginning; the Plebe class typically has game plan and dreams of being the fastest ever--full of excitement and optimism. However, like most things --the best laid plans never survive first contact with the enemy, and it turns into a long, hot, greasy and sweaty (with Crisco in the eyes) slog fest, and it is grit and determination, and a little ingenuity that leads to success.

(I've probably said it before here, my recommendation for watching Herndon is to be there for the opening gun, then go out to McGarveys, enjoy a couple of cold draft Yuenglings, then wander back about the 1 - 1 1/2 hour mark and watch the finale.

 

[A1Janitor]

They should see if Hardee’s wants to sponsor it!

I only watched it since my son was appointed. @Old Navy BGO is spot on. I’d watch soccer if I wanted to watch the middle hours.

 

[THParent]

I was there for Herndon with my wife, with lawn chairs and a huge cooler full of drinks and sandwiches for the Plebes, back in 2019.
It was a lot of fun watching the whole thing from start to finish, but it only lasted 65 minutes and 5 seconds.

 

[A6E Dad]

it's certainly fun and memorable for parents to watch their DS/DD, and a major milestone and memory for the plebes, but for the other 99.999% of the population i can't imagine anyone wanting to watch 3 hours plus of people flailing around, nor can i imagine any advertiser spending more than about $20 for the rights

then again, ESPN broadcasts competitive cornhole so.....

 

[Heatherg21]

Don't want to be the buzz kill here, but the truth is --there are probably less than 5000 people in the country who would tune in to watch either Herndon or Ship Selection from start to finish (that's assuming 2 parents, 2.5 Midsibs, and a handful of relatives). It may be exciting when you have a dog in the fight, but Midcake is right -- the only way you are going to make it even a bit interesting is start adding color commentary and historical information.... and change the character of the event.

A viewing tip -- it is exciting to watch the beginning; the Plebe class typically has game plan and dreams of being the fastest ever--full of excitement and optimism. However, like most things --the best laid plans never survive first contact with the enemy, and it turns into a long, hot, greasy and sweaty (with Crisco in the eyes) slog fest, and it is grit and determination, and a little ingenuity that leads to success.

(I've probably said it before here, my recommendation for watching Herndon is to be there for the opening gun, then go out to McGarveys, enjoy a couple of cold draft Yuenglings, then wander back about the 1 - 1 1/2 hour mark and watch the finale.

You had me at Yuenglings.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

then again, ESPN broadcasts competitive cornhole so.....

Good point... and I've stopped surfing for about 5 minutes to watch before... compelling competition, and I am truly amazed that people actually play cornhole without a beer in their other hand.

 

[Heatherg21]

Good point... and I've stopped surfing for about 5 minutes to watch before... compelling competition, and I am truly amazed that people actually play cornhole without a beer in their other hand.

wait people do that? I'm not those people.