How closely tuned are former players to what's going on with Army West Point football and what do they think of all that's happening at the academy these days?

GoBlackKnights.com was interested in hearing what they had to say; so we reached out to a few former players to find out what they're doing these days and whether they are keeping up with what's going on in football at their Alma Mater.

All the former players we contacted keep up with the team on a regular basis, but how they do is often dictated by what else is going on in their lives. Former teammates Steve Anderson and Mike Gann are both fully engaged with their budding military careers as Army officers.

Steve is a mortar platoon leader in the 1-64 Armor at Fort Stewart and Mike is a Fire Support Officer in the 2d Ranger Battalion at Fort Lewis, but both tune in regularly when the Black Knights are on TV.

As Mike says, "Fortunately, it's fairly easy to get them on TV most of the time so my Saturdays usually begin cheering on the Army team." Steve informs us that he's been a bit preoccupied getting his newborn son, Ace Alvin, ready to take his place on the "2033 Army Black Knights roster as a linebacker," which kept him from getting to any games last year, but he plans to make at least three games this coming season.

Most fans know that former player and Army defensive back coach, Tony Coaxum is now the Assistant Special Teams Coordinator with the Denver Broncos, but does he still find the time to keep up with Army West Point football?

He assured us he follows the Black Knights very closely and either watches the games on TV or records the games on his DVR. His job keeps him on the road a lot during football season, but he always tries to catch the game at a local sports bar. "Last season, I had a TV all to myself in a Hooters across from our team hotel to watch Army's thrilling win over UConn at Yankee Stadium," says Tony. As a former cornerbacks coach, we can only imagine what a special thrill it must have been to see Chris Carnegie return that interception for a 99 yard TD to seal the victory.

Taylor Justice, a 2006 graduate who played on the Army team from 2002 to 2005 is pursuing more entrepreneurial life since he left the Army.  He co-founded a software company in NYC called UniteUS.com; and his proximity to West Point allows him to be a season ticket holder. Justice describes himself as "an avid follower of all things Army football" who also watches all the away games on TV or streaming video.

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We asked our former players if they had met coach Monken and what their thoughts were about him leading the program going forward.

Mike Gann, who was recruited by Bobby Ross and played under Ross, Stan Brock, and Rich Ellerson which gave him a unique perspective. "I was very fortunate to meet Coach Monken in Afghanistan last summer" says Mike. "As someone who had three head coaches while at West Point, I know the strain it puts on the players and the program so I had my reservations. However, within minutes of meeting with him I knew he was the right man for the job."

- Former Army LB, Taylor Justice & USMA Grad: 2006

Teammate Steve Anderson has not yet had a chance to meet Coach Monken, but hopes to do so, and perhaps work with him in the near future. "He is a winner and I believe he has this team moving in the right direction," says Steve.

As a former Army coach, Coaxum offers another unique perspective. "I had the opportunity to meet Coach Monken and really like his passion.  I was disappointed by not being retained on his new staff but felt very confident in what Army Football was getting in Coach Monken and his staff.  They have my full support."

To a man our former players are convinced that Coach Monken will return Army West Point football to its winning ways. "I absolutely think Army will be competitive again and certainly Coach Monken is the man for the job," says Justice.

Coaxum agrees. "He has the support from the Superintendent which is very important.  He also is recruiting very well and highlighting every aspect that makes West Point and Army Football special,"

"Absolutely" says Anderson, but Steve adds the following thought: "There are some things that need to change and the Academy needs to look to our sister academies and see how they continue to be competitive. It does not always have to be the "Army" way. USNA and USAFA have a winning formula. We need to work with them. It is better for all fans and the general public when all three academies are highly competitive."

Gann also believes that the Black Knights will get back to being a competitive program, but offers the following caveat. "Coaching at West Point is hard and there's is no doubt it takes a special person to be successful here," shared the former 290 pound D-tackle, who now checks in at 220 pounds. "But it is football, and it ultimately it all comes down to the Win column. I am excited to see what happens."

Justice agrees. "I'm not sure we could have found a better coach to run this team. Once he recruits his team and has time to develop them in his system, Army will then be a winning program again."

Mike Gann has no regrets. "There is not a single game I would play over again. Every single mistake, win, loss (yes even to Navy, five times), laugh, and cry has developed me into the person I am today.  And I truly mean that," says Mike.

Teammate Steve Anderson offers a different view. "EVERY GAME WE LOST! But two really jump out at me. Rutgers my senior year 2010 football season, we had them dead to rights and we let it slip away." The other game that haunts him is the 2010 game against Navy. "I truly believe we take away the infamous fumble on the 2-yard line where Navy returns it for a 98-yard touchdown it is a completely different ball game and we come out on top." Those of us who saw those two games are likely to concur with Steve on both counts.

Coaxum's do over would also be the game against Navy in his senior season. "After winning as a Junior, to BEAT NAVY in my last game as an Army Football player would be priceless. It would have also made me 3-1 versus Navy in my playing career." Lets hope that the current sophomore class can say they were 3-1 against Navy a few years down the road.

Our respondents have one other thing in common. They all sign in to GoBlackKnights.com to catch up on the latest in recruiting, and as Mike Gann says "to gain another insight on the health of the program." 

Keep that in mind if you choose to comment on this article, and to our former players, we at GBK thank you for your insights and contributions.

"I follow recruiting news through GoBlackKnights.com and also Twitter ... whatever it takes to get my fix," acknowledged the upbeat Coaxum.

Anderson echoed similar sentiments as both Gann and Coaxum. "I routinely check GoBlackKnights.com for my updates," he added. "It is a great place to find up to date information and always has some great chatter on the forums."