On December 12, 2009, in Philadelphia, PA, Navy Head Football Coach, Ken Niumatalolo, will take the field against his former mentor, Rich Ellerson, Army's new Head Football Coach, in the historic Army/Navy Game.
Ellerson (left) Niumatalolo (Right)
We had the opportunity to speak with them about their past, and their strategy and goals for the 2009 season.
The history between Ellerson and Niumatalolo dates back to the University of Hawaii (UH). Ellerson played football for the Hawaii Warriors from 1973 – 1976, and joined the team’s coaching staff after graduating. It was in 1983; however, that Ellerson made a house-call to recruit high school senior Niumatalolo as a quarterback for the Warriors. Niumatalolo accepted, played through his college career, and also joined the coaching staff for UH post-grad, following in Ellerson’s footsteps.
Since their days at the University of Hawaii, Ellerson and Niumatalolo have led successful coaching careers for various teams. Now, twenty five years later, they are reunited, only this time as rivals. Niumatalolo, having been a part of the Navy's coaching Staff since 2002, recently lead the Midshipmen to a 8-5 winning record in his inaugural season as head coach. Ellerson, who has many family ties to West Point, plans to revive the Black Knights to their former glory.
The eminent rivalry between Army and Navy hasn’t affected the long-standing respect and friendship between Ellerson and Niumatalolo. “I have great respect for him” says Niumatalolo, “he’s a smart man. But game day is the one day we’re going to do all we can to beat him.” Ellerson states, “Niumatalolo has been gracious and helpful in this transition (to Army Head Coach) and I have much respect for him.”
Both coaches are gearing up for an exciting 2009 season. Ellerson is trying to turn Army’s reputation around. “It’s a matter of efficiency, and putting time and effort into our resources… to keep the arrow up physically and athletically…one size will not fit all.” His goal this season is to build the team’s confidence and “look back and bond with the history [of Army football] and make it our own – collectively.” Ellerson has defined the Navy as their biggest opponent in 2009, and is looking forward to taking the field against them. Niumatalolo has the utmost confidence in the Navy’s Midshipmen, who were recently awarded the Commander-In-Chief Trophy by President Barak Obama. Nuimatalolo’s plans are simply “to keep the winning streak.”
As for keeping the game in Philadelphia, both coaches were unbiased, but supportive of the idea. “The [Army/Navy] game is connected to a history and tradition, and part of it is tied to Philadelphia. Philadelphia will always be integral to the game; you can’t take the city away from it” says Ellerson. Niumatalolo agrees that “Philadelphia has been a phenomenal host.”
With a 53-49-7 record since the game’s 1890 inception, will the Navy’s Midshipmen have what it takes to continue their seven-year winning streak against Army’s Black Knights? Or will Army rally under new leadership? Join us on December 12, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, to find out.