Pete Medhurst will not broadcast the Army-Navy game for the first time in nearly three decades.
Medhurst will miss this year’s contest while continuing to battle brain cancer. The longtime voice of Navy Athletics had a large brain tumor removed on Nov. 1 and recently completed 10 rounds of radiation treatment. He was discharged from Anne Arundel Medical Center and is recuperating at a rehabilitation facility in Annapolis.
Medhurst has already undergone one round of immunotherapy treatment and will have his second session later this month. He plans to watch the 125th Army-Navy Game from a private room of the rehab center along with family.
Navy coach Brian Newberry sent Medhurst a helmet signed by all the Navy coaches. Medhurst texted Newberry on Friday to wish him luck in Saturday’s game.
Medhurst has worked 27 consecutive Army-Navy games from either the sideline or the radio booth. That streak will come to an end today and it is particularly tough for the Southern High graduate since the game is being held at Northwest Stadium in Landover.
Medhurst grew up as a diehard Redskins/Commanders fan and has worked in the Washington, D.C. media market for his entire career.
“Obviously, Pete has been in all of our thoughts and prayers and we’ve been in communication with his wife Brenda to check on his progress,” Newberry said Thursday afternoon. “I think Pete is phenomenal at what he does and he loves these young men and everybody around this program loves him. We’re all praying for him and pulling for him. We know he’s a fighter and have his back. I hate that he’s not going to be here for this one, but I look forward to him being there for the next one.”
Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo was a guest on the Glenn Clark Radio Show this week and grew emotional when talking about Medhurst.
“Pete is one of the best in the business and the consummate professional. He’s the voice of Navy sports and just the best,” Niumatalolo said.
Niumatalolo talked about how he met weekly with Medhurst throughout the football season to review the previous game and preview the upcoming contest.
“Before Pete turned on the recorder we would just talk about life and different things,” Niumatalolo said. “We were both huge basketball fans so we would talk about that. I loved those conversations with Pete.”
Niumatalolo said when he replays all the great moments in Navy football history that he was part of, “I will always hear his voice in my mind.”
“We’re all praying for Pete and his family,” he said.
Army-Navy Game debut
Three Navy football offensive assistants will make their Army-Navy Game debut Saturday. None will face more pressure than first-year offensive coordinator Drew Cronic, who will be calling plays from the press box.
Newberry made his Army-Navy Game debut in 2019 while serving as Navy defensive coordinator. This will be the sixth time he has experienced the rivalry and second as head coach.
“In a lot of ways, calling the game as a coordinator is a little more stressful than being the head coach on the sideline,” Newberry said. “Coaching from the sidelines last year and not having to call plays was a different experience, but still nerve-wracking. I’m sure I’ll be a little more relaxed than I was a year ago.”
Newberry noted the pressure on the coordinator comes from the fact there are so few possessions in an Army-Navy Game. Having a finite number of plays to call makes every single one vitally important.
“This game is different as a play-caller. You may only get 50 to 55 snaps, so you want to be perfect in your calls,” Newberry said. “We’ve had a lot of conversations on both sides of the football about making sure our guys can go play fast. Let’s do the things we’re good at and have a great plan, but it has to be somewhat limited.”
Newberry thinks Cronic will be up to the challenge of calling the offensive plays for Navy for the first time against the archrival.
“I think Coach Cronic is pretty calm, cool and collected. He’s got a plan and I feel confident he will execute it just fine,” Newberry said.
Cronic brought two offensive assistants from Mercer to Annapolis. Offensive line coach Jay Guillermo and snipes coach David Cole will also be experiencing the Army-Navy Game for the first time.
Leaving a legacy
In many ways, the Army-Navy Game is all about the seniors. This is their last time participating in the rivalry and will spend the rest of their lives remembering the result their senior season.
Navy has 23 seniors, all of whom contribute to the team in some way. They know the sting of losing to Army the two previous seasons and do not want to go out with a 1-3 record in the series.
“I think our seniors have done a great job all year of leading the team all season. They talk about leaving a legacy and this is a great opportunity to really put a cap on that,” Newberry said.
“I know the leadership for the next two weeks will be outstanding with those seniors. They have a bit of a chip on their shoulders with regards to this rivalry, having been on the losing end of it more than they would like to be so it’s a chance to make that right.”
Much respect
Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker preaches toughness all the time and loves to talk about playing violent. He teaches Midshipmen defenders the importance of striking first.
With that sort of mentality, it is no surprise Volker has tremendous respect for Army quarterback Bryson Daily and his hard-nosed, aggressive running style.
“Daily plays football the right way. He runs with both speed and power. He’s got great vision and knows how to get downhill. He’s very tough and physical,” Volker said. “He’s a good decision-maker, a good passer and has done a good job of getting the ball to his playmakers in space. He’s certainly the complete package.”
Hail to the chief
The Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy will be on the line during Saturday’s game, so it is somewhat fitting that president-elect Donald Trump will be in attendance. He will be joined by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
Newberry was asked about having the incoming president at the game.
“It speaks to the magnitude and importance of this game and all of what it represents,” he said.
Of note
Army kicker Trey Gronotte has made 98% of extra point and field goal attempts this season, which is fourth-best among FBS kickers… Army skill position players have been targeted 7.9 times per game this season, lowest among all FBS programs… Army has allowed first downs on 41% of rushing attempts on third-and-long this season, worst among Group of Five programs…. Army is undefeated (10-0) when allowing less than 5 yards per rush this season, best mark among Group of Five teams… Navy fullbacks or snipes have 37 receptions for 20 or more yards since the 2023 season, most among FBS Teams… Navy has allowed opponents to rush for 20 or more yards on just 17 of their 831 carries since the 2023 season, tied for second-best among Group of Five conference teams… Navy is undefeated (6-0) when making seven or more explosive plays this season, which is best among Group of Five teams… Navy has tackled opponents for a loss on just 48 of 408 rushing attempts (12%) this season, tied for 16th-worst in FBS.
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