Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Returns to Academy
Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson (center left), the superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Dr. Jim Knowlton, the director of the Academy’s Athletics Department (center right), stand besides the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy Nov. 17, 2017, in Mitchell Hall. Johnson presented the trophy to the Cadet Wing from the Staff Tower during a long round of applause from cadets. Standing with Johnson and Knowlton are Falcon Football head coach Troy Calhoun, members of the Air Force Falcons, and Brig. Gen. Stephen Williams, the commander of the Cadet Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Darcie Ibidapo)
By Ray Bowden, U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs / Published November 21, 2016
Cadets erupted into applause when Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson presented the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy to the Cadet Wing, Nov. 17, at the Air Force Academy.
The trophy is awarded to each season’s winner of the American college football triangular series among the football teams of the U.S. Military Academy, the Army Black Knights; the U.S. Naval Academy, Navy Midshipmen; and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Air Force Falcons.
The Falcons grabbed a record-setting 20th CINC Trophy-win with a 31-12 victory against Army, Nov. 5.
“This is awesome,” Johnson said to the throng of cadets crowding Mitchell Hall after Coach Troy Calhoun and his team rolled the trophy into view for the Cadet Wing to see. “It’s a really big deal for the team to win this.”
Johnson beamed when she looked at the long list of Air Force wins inscribed on the trophy.
“There’s no more room for plaques,” she said. “Winning this trophy again was a team effort — this is about something bigger than us.”
Calhoun said taking home the trophy 20 times is an amazing achievement.
“When you think of all the responsibilities our cadets balance, whether athletic, academic or military, this is such a high-level achievement,” he said. “It takes a true team effort. This win is a tribute to the entire Academy, our cadets, our football team and our terrific staff — at all levels. I’m very, very proud of our football team and all cadets.”
Senior defensive back Brodie Hicks said the trophy-win indicates the confidence shared by his teammates.
“It really shows how much we trust each other,” he said. “Having it here shows the trust shared by our offense and defense to come together and get the job done. I am absolutely proud of our players, our cadets and this achievement.”
The trophy returned to the Academy Nov. 10.
The president or his representative will present the trophy to the team in an official ceremony next year at the White House.
The 2016 season marks the 45th season of CINC’s trophy competition.