Impact of Navy Athletic Director’s Retirement Reaches Deep into Program’s Success

The announcement of Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk’s retirement was the end of an era for Midshipmen athletics. Gladchuk’s impact in 24 years at Navy is far-reaching and not just because he is currently the second-longest tenured AD among FBS schools. His success can be measured any number of ways. For instance, in an era where schools are considering dropping sports, Gladchuk managed to add six NCAA sports and the program now fields 36 teams, tied for most in FBS. At service academies the biggest measure of success during football season is the Commander-in-Chief trophy, given to the winner of the annual showdowns between Navy, Army West Point and Air Force. The Midshipmen claimed that trophy 12 times since Gladchuk took over in 2001. Within the Patriot League, where Navy plays most of its sports, the Midshipmen have won the Patriot League Presidents' Cup 10 straight seasons. That’s the most in the league’s history. In fact, in the last 17 seasons the Midshipmen have finished either first or second. A