A Legacy of Valor: The History of Coast Guard Academy Football
The United States Coast Guard Academy, a distinguished institution with roots stretching back to 1790, has a proud athletic tradition embodied by its intercollegiate teams, the Bears. As members of the NCAA Division III and the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC), the Bears engage in spirited competition across a range of sports, with football holding a place of particular prominence.
Enduring Rivalries
The Coast Guard Bears' football program is defined by its intense rivalries, most notably the annual Secretaries Cup clash against the United States Merchant Marine Academy Mariners. This game, a symbol of inter-service competition, sees the two academies battle for bragging rights and the coveted Secretaries Cup. The two campuses are at opposite ends of Long Island Sound. The game alternates between the Coast Guard's Cadet Memorial Field in New London, Connecticut, and the Merchant Marine's Captain Tomb Field in Kings Point, New York just east of New York City. The game had been played on the last Saturday of the Division III football regular season (generally mid-November) from 1991 through 2005. When the Coast Guard Academy joined the New England Football Conference in 2006, the rivalry became a non-conference game and was moved to September. The games have been broadcast on ESPN's streaming networks since 2017. Through 2025, the Merchant Marine Academy has an overall lead in the series 38-16 (.704). Since the Secretaries Cup was established in 1981, the Merchant Marine Academy leads 31-14 (.689).
Beyond the Secretaries Cup, the Bears maintain a long-standing football rivalry with the Norwich University Cadets, a private military college in Northfield, Vermont. While less formal, an unofficial rivalry also exists with neighboring Connecticut College, adding another layer of competitive spirit to the Bears' gridiron endeavors.
Defining Moments and Key Figures
The history of Coast Guard Academy football is punctuated by significant moments and influential figures. The 1951 team, led by head coach Nels Nitchman, holds the distinction of being the first undefeated team in the Academy's history, winning six games and tying Northeastern University, who was also undefeated.
Otto Graham, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, contributed to the Academy's athletic legacy as head coach and athletic director from 1959 to 1985. His leadership and experience undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the football program.
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Secretaries' Cup: A Storied Tradition
The Secretaries' Cup rivalry between the Coast Guard Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy is a tradition steeped in history and pride. The annual game is more than just a contest on the field; it is a celebration of the dedication and commitment of future officers in the United States maritime services.
The intensity of the rivalry is evident in the game's history. In 2020, when the NCAA canceled the Division III football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies chose to proceed with their rivalry game, marking it as the only Division III football game played in that calendar year. The Merchant Marine Academy won that contest 24-14.
Beyond Football: A Spectrum of Athletic Pursuits
While football holds a prominent position, the Coast Guard Academy's athletic program encompasses a wide range of sports. The Coast Guard Bears men's and women's cross country teams are coached by RIC alumni Coach Gregory Ahnrud, who replaced former XC head coach and current indoor and outdoor track and field Head Coach Ethan Brown. The Academy also boasts a number of club sports, including men's and women's rugby, water polo, men's ice hockey, and triathlon.
The men's water polo team has achieved notable success, including a fourth-place finish at the Collegiate Water Polo Association Division III Club Championships in 2008. In 2012, the team made it into the field as the North Atlantic Division runner-up. In 2017, the team finished seventh in the nation at the Collegiate Water Polo Association Division III Club Championships after ending their season with an 11-1 record. In 2019, the team set multiple club records. First, the team finished third in the nation at the Collegiate Water Polo Association Division III Club Championships at Villanova University, their best finish in club history. In 2021, the team placed first in the Colonial Division in a short 4-game season.
Preserving the Legacy
The Coast Guard Academy's commitment to preserving its rich heritage extends to its athletic history. The Academy adheres to strict guidelines for acquiring and maintaining historical artifacts, ensuring that the stories and traditions of the past are passed down to future generations.
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Items considered for the Coast Guard Heritage Asset Collection must have a clear connection to the Coast Guard or its predecessor agencies, provide historical and educational value, and be in fair condition. The Academy also prioritizes items associated with important artistic and Coast Guard figures.
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