Academy News

PLEBE CANDIDATES VISIT THE BALLPARK

Nicole Kogel '12 (without hat) with her roommate, Tara Mulligan and the rest of the plebe candidates enjoy a night at the ballpark.

Morning colors are extra special during Graduation Weekend.

Chris Nitta Garners Academic All-American Honors

Chris Nitta of the United States Merchant Marine Academy soccer team was named a Scholar All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) earlier this week. The senior tri-captain was listed on the College Division Second Team.

The College Division features student-athletes that compete at the NCAA Division II and Division III levels. The University Division is made up of student-athletes from NCAA Division I schools.

“We are very proud of Chris,” said Head Coach Michael Smolens. “As the number two student in the senior class, Chris epitomizes the true student-athlete. The extent of his academic, athletic and regimental success at the Academy is a tribute to his ability to manage his time and balance his responsibilities. Chris has been one of the top student-athletes we have had here at the Academy, and he will be missed next season.”

Nitta has received numerous awards for his athletics and academic prowess this past fall. He was named the Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year and also garnered All-Landmark First Team honors. Additionally, the sweeper was honored as the Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week on four occasions. He earned a spot on the ESPN The Magazine College Division Men’s Soccer Academic All-America Third Team and was also named to the Academic All-District Team. Nitta ranks second in his class with a 3.826 cumulative GPA as a marine engineering systems major and has earned a gold star every semester for posting a GPA of 3.5 or better.

All of the honored players, including Nitta, will be invited to the NSCAA All-America Luncheon, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, as part of the 2008 NSCAA Convention in Baltimore, Md.

Nitta’s Athletic And Academic Honors This Fall (In Chronological Order)
Sept. 10   Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week
Sept. 17   Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 1        Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 15     Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Week
Nov. 1      ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-District First Team
Nov. 1      Landmark Conference Defensive Player of the Year
Nov. 1      Landmark Conference First Team
Nov. 8      Landmark Fall Academic Honor Roll
Nov. 19    ESPN The Magazine College Division Academic All-America Third Team
Nov. 20   Landmark Conference Fall All-Academic Team
Dec. 18    Landmark Conference Men's Soccer Senior Scholar Athlete
Dec. 20    NSCAA All-Metro Region First Team
Dec. 26    NSCAA Scholar All-America College Division Second Team

Nitta Featured in NCAA article

Chris Nitta, '08, was recently featured in an article on NCAAsports.com which highlighted his experiences during his sea year. To read the article, go to http://www.ncaasports.com/soccer/mens/story/10254434

EMT Training on the USMMA Campus

Alex Wingate ('10) gets instructions for using the Jaws of Life....

...then goes to town!

Just a little bit more, and VOILA!...

We have a new convertible!

KP Softball Team Spends Spring Break In Florida

Jennifer Swanson ('09) with the Kings Point Softball team visiting Florida for a tournament over Spring Break.

They took a little time off the field for some fun in Universal Studios.

Jennifer Swanson ('09) in full catcher's gear.

The Class of 2010 has been recognized! For pictures, go to www.usmmaparents.com

Why Would Anyone Jump Out of a Perfectly Good Airplane?

Reed Kobernik '07 was one of six USMMA midshipmen to attend the US Army's Airborne School in Fort Benning, GA. They were the first Kings Pointers selected to attend this three week program. This picture was taken with Reed's cousin, Capt. Kurt Kobernik, after Reed's third of five jumps.

Kent Nygren '07 and Reed Kobernik "07 attending the Army-Navy game.

Midshipmen Attend Holiday Cotillion

Miss Studie Price beams at the Madhatter's Ball this past Thanksgiving in Washington DC. A group of midshipman, organized by Kent Nygren '07, escorted debutantes from all over the country at the National Debtante Cotillion. Pictured with Miss Price are: (l to r) Brad Rakoce '08, Leo Gardner '07, Kent Nygren '07, John Reed '09, Dominik DeStefano '08, Reed Kobernik '07, and Daniel Schanno '09.

Ms. Hope Stewart, Corrie and Rick Stewart are surrounded by our midshipmen at the Cotillion Ball in Washington DC.

Nitta Honored by ESPN the Magazine and NSCAA/Adidas Polls

United States Merchant Marine Academy junior defender Christopher Nitta was named to the ESPN the Magazine Academic First-Team All-District for his excellence both on the soccer field and in the classroom. He also received an honorable mention on the 2006 NSCAA/Adidas® College Men Scholar Athlete All-East Region list. Nitta, who holds a 3.8 grade point average in the study of Systems Engineering, was a part of one of the nation’s best defenses, which allowed 0.77 goals per game and recorded eight shutouts. He chipped in offensively as well with an assists in Merchant Marine’s 2-0 shutout of Mount Saint Mary College on Sept. 30.. (November, 2006)

Jennifer Swanson '09 with the Kings Point Softball team visited Orlando Florida for a tournament.

The Plebe Class of '2009 has been recognized!

Center: Jennifer Swanson '09 is recognized with a mud facial.

Jennifer Swanson '09 doing push-up during Recognition activities.

Laura Anderson '07, with John Sgarlata '06, enjoying Recognition too.

Chris Nitta ('08) in Fire School