Sport: Squared Away

Back in the days when West Point and Annapolis both filled their ranks mainly through presidential and congressional appointees, the Army-Navy football series was on an even keel. But in 1942, Army got authority from Congress to pick its own candidates when congressional choices failed to make the grade. When Army beat Navy in 1944 for the first time in six years, suspicious Navy men began to wonder if West Point had not found a new source for husky linemen and jet-propelled backs. Last year, after five lean Navy seasons, capped by 1949’s thumping 38-0 Army victory, the Navy decided it would take another act of Congress to get Annapolis squared away again.

This week Congress seemed about ready to do its duty. Almost through the mill was a bill which would also give Navy the right to fill its own vacancies. The Army was quick to point out that it had only found 16 football lettermen in its 308 selections so far. But there was no doubt about the Navy’s plans. Said a jubilant spokesman: “This will mean 20 more good men on the football squad … we have a certain bunch of boys in mind.”