Surreal but yet Real (2020): From The Parents Perspective
The last time we drew the perspective from Army West Point Football parents was June 14, 2020 - ‘The Moment: From the Parents’ Perspective - 2020 Graduation’
To some degree in provided us with a glimpse of what could be and what eventually manifested itself beyond our wildest imagination. These were parents of graduating seniors, who because of covid restrictions, were not allowed to attend the ceremony on the West Point campus. Honestly, I don’t think anyone had an idea of what we were in store for. If we were writers for The Twilight Zone or Saturday Knight Live, we probably could not have come close to what 2020 represented for this country.
To say that 2020 was surreal on so many platforms in the country would be an understatement.
But once again, our attention is a more targeted group of folks, and they are the parents of Army football players. So, add to the aforementioned challenges, we had the opportunity to talk to several parents of young men who attend the most unique and challenging college/university in the nation and that’s United States Military Academy at West Point. Young men facing the rigors of day-to-day on academy campus, then add to the fact that they are also members of the Army Black Knights’ Football Brotherhood.
However, being at the academy does not exempt them from the realities of COVID-19 or the social unrest that the country has had to face.
The Participating Parents:
• Doug & Katie Knapp (Sr. OL, Noah Knapp)
• André & Melissa Carter (Jr. OLB, Andre Carter)
• Frederica Daniels (Jr. Safety, Marquel Broughton)
• Anthony & Felicia Tyler (Jr. QB, Tyhier Tyler)
• Jimmie & Rosetta Powell (Sr. OL, Dean Powell & Soph. LB, Jackson Powell)
MANAGING THE COVID SCENARIO
At the academy, restriction of movement (the Supe emplaced rules regarding COVID) have been changing often. As the situation resolves, the rule change, usually becoming less restrictive. It is futile to ask what the rules are going to be more than two weeks away. For example, the rules for Easter weekend are significantly different than now. After April 1st, several rule changes.
Either way, restrictions that are emplaced are there for the health of the CORPS first, then the health of the team. The academy’s focus is to attempt to maximize the opportunities to play without risking the health of the team or the Corps. So attendance at games are restricted. Outdoor arenas have less restriction that indoor. Sports that have minimal contact has fewer restrictions. Yes, it’s getting better, but teams that are deemed “extremely high risk” because of the physical contact between opponents are always going to be stricter than Tennis for example.
“My biggest concern was him contracting Covid,” admitted Frederica Daniels, mother of junior safety, Marquel Broughton. “Being a mom that work in healthcare and seeing what COVID-19 has done first hand was scary for me. So I preach to my son on a daily basis how serious it is and to make sure he was following all of the protocol of the CDC (wash your hands, wear your mask, and stay six feet apart). I know I get on his nerves reminding everyday of these things {serious chuckle}.
Both Doug and Katie Knapp voiced similar concerns, but remain confident that their son, offensive lineman, Noah Knapp is in good hands.
“I think our biggest concern has been the unknown of the potential long-term effects of contracting COVID-19,” stated Doug. “We have done our best to stay informed in a seemingly ever changing environment as scientist and doctors continue to learn about this virus. We have been open and honest with Noah about our concerns. Our biggest advice to him regarding COVID has been to be open and honest with the medical staff and report any symptoms.”
“We have been reassured during our conversations with him about the mitigation practices that USMA and the Black Knights football team put in place during this time. The team had a very comprehensive battle plan in place when the team went back last June. From frequent testing, small group isolating, to one way walking paths and maps … we were very impressed. Many of these practices continued throughout the season. We were grateful for the frequent testing during the season, as well.”
“Definitely the long-term effects weigh heavily on us and Noah,” added Noah’s mother, Katie. “He still doesn’t have all of his taste buds working. The best advice we could have given to him was, ‘Watch out for your brothers’, but they have done that on their own. Our boys have really looked out for each other as COVID made its rounds. Noah and a teammate made a McDonald’s run and flung burger through the windows of the quarantine barracks. When Noah tested positive and was moving into the quarantine barracks, one of his brothers handed off his PlayStation while moving out of quarantine. After the Air Force win, the team made the trek down the snowy hill from Michie to stand outside the quarantine barracks and share the win with those infected.”
“I've really was never concerned about him … he's healthy, resilient, adaptable,” declared Melissa Carter, mother of Junior OLB André Carter. “I hope I've nurtured the skills he needs to be successful anywhere he goes. On top of that, West Point leadership is smart, accomplished and has a wealth of experience equipping them to handle any challenge. Andre Sr. and I have always said he's in the best place we could hope for.”
“I did, however, want to fire up the helicopter when he was alone in quarantine on Christmas, but I'm quite sure that was harder on me than it was on him. So many people stepped up to cook for him, bring him gifts, check in on him. One coach even had his kids swing by for Christmas carols. It warms a mama's heart to know that even though I can't be with him … others are showing him love.”
As parents, Tyhier's health and safety is our number one priority,” shared Anthony Tyler, speaking on behalf of his wife (Felicia Tyler & himself). "We constantly encourage him to wear his mask, wash his hands, carry sanitizer, and practice social distancing. He can't control the actions of others. He just needs to make sure that he takes the necessary steps to keep himself and fellow cadets safe."
The Social Challenges
Covid has not been the only issue to manifest itself in 2020, but also social unrest. As a parent, and looking back on last year and ahead to this year … these parents voiced their thoughts on what they have personally learned themselves from this surreal time in our country, as they attempt to put it into context, especially in their communication with their sons on both subject matters.
“The past 12 months have been a challenge on so many levels,” Doug Knapp speaking candidly. “The events of the past year have provided our family with the opportunity to discuss the issues and events to try to better understand from our own perspective – but more importantly from the perspective of others. This issues weighed heavily on our son, his classmates, and teammates. Coach (Jeff) Monken recognized this and allowed time for the team to have discussions and to learn from one another. I believe this strengthened the team and strengthened the idea of the Brotherhood mentality we hear about Army Football. From our conversations with our son, the USMA leadership and Army coaching staff listened to questions and concerns of their cadets and players. USMA created a stand-down day to address the issues of race and racial biases which I believe shows a commitment to address tough social issues.”
“Well COVID has exposed a lot in the last year,” stated Frederica Daniels. “I would say it has taught me to be grateful and the meaning of life and its purpose. It has also taught me the value of family and to cherish every moment because someone can be here today and gone tomorrow. Being mindful of a simple hug, kiss, or even just a touch. On another note, it has open my eyes to see the injustice we have in our country. This year has open my eyes in different ways from injustice, politics, and even the friends I thought I had. I have been shown true colors of people in my life including family. This last year has show me that church is just not a building, but it is wherever I go, the church is with me. Moving forward I will build better relationships and cherish every moment.”
“As a descendant of Americans that were enslaved in this country that were denied full protection of the government as citizens, as much as oxygen is critical to my physiology so is looking forward to the future,” explained Jimmie Powell. “I pray that all Americans have a responsibility to protect our democracy and cultivate our society that supports life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. The blinding of USA SGT Isaac Woodard awakened President Truman to domestic terrorism and police brutality of Americans of African descent. President Truman desegregated the armed forces. The requirement of all Americans is more than just to ignore racism but to be anti-racist. Racism is counter to the progressiveness of American democracy. If America is not a democracy, then what is it? We have to protect our democracy. We must cultivate that every American matters and every American vote matters.”
Taking The Arrow Out Of The Quiver And Launching It
Most parents realize that the United States Military Academy is a unique college destination for any young man or woman … especially in the midst of covid restrictions. However, many of those same parents realize they didn’t raise their children in a vacuum, but more a “calling”. Even though these mothers and fathers have periods of missing those days home nurturing, they have taken the arrow out of the quiver and it has landed at West Point.
“We last saw André when we dropped him at the airport to return to West Point in January,” Melissa Carter declared. “I constantly remind myself that we raise them to leave. He's God's son, and He made him for a purpose. It's been the joy of my life raising him, but he was never meant to stay home forever. While I miss him dearly, I respect the call on his life and wouldn't want any less for him.”
“The last time I saw my son in person was January 17, 2021,” added Frederica. “Me personally, I know my son has set out on a journey to better himself as a person and to get a great education. So I have adjusted very well. As long as I can see him via FaceTime, I am okay. During this time, I have sought out to make sure I send him morning devotionals and inspirational quotes. So he can stay strong and prayed up. We as a family try to put God first in everything we do. So assuring my son to keep God first was my mission. I encourage him every day, no matter how hard it gets, to stay strong in his word (His Bible). Together we build one another up, so our interactions have become a lot of texting and a few FaceTime calls a week.”
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL?
Although it appears that things are getting better … but teams that are deemed “extremely high risk” because of the physical contact between opponents (such as football) are always going to be stricter than tennis for example.
We asked the parents how anxious are they to see things get back to normal or close to it and if the visitation band are eventually lifted, what are their plans to make their way to the academy to visit their son?
“We are extremely anxious and excited for things to return to level of more normal gathering,” shared Doug Knapp. “Noah will be a Firstie (senior) next year and we are planning on returning to our normal schedule of attending all of the home games. We have family in Georgia, so we have plans to attend the Georgia State game. We have also made plans to head to Texas for the game against Air Force. We also hope to be allowed to attend Ring Weekend so we will definitely be putting some miles on the car this year. As I mentioned, “FaceTime” on the phone has been a blessing, but nothing beats an in person hug.”
Frederica voiced similar sentiments as Doug.
“I am very anxious to get back to normal,” she declared. “I can’t wait to get up to the banks of the Hudson to see some football. I believe I have started to pray for a normal football season more and more. I enjoyed seeing my son (Marquel Broughton) play in person and I feel he needs to know and hear his mama voice {laughing}. The day they open up for parents to come back to West Point, I will be on the first flight out. My credit card is on standby!”
“I can not wait,” bellowed an anxious Melissa. “I've started reserving hotels for next season's football games in anticipation of attending. Prior to the pandemic, I tried to play it cool and pick a few games to attend. It's going to be hard to talk me out of attending a single game the rest of his time at West Point. I won't take it for granted again.”
“My anxiety lays elsewhere,” declared Jimmie Powell. “I have full confidence in Director of Athletics Mike Buddie and the USMA administration as to how and when admittance to Army Football at Michie Stadium will occur. Mrs. P and I took every opportunity and complied with every guideline to follow Coach Jeff Monken and the Black Knights on the road throughout the 2020 Football Season. I believe as soon as Mrs. P. can get on campus, I will be toting her bags.”
"The impact of Covid has taught us several lessons about life,” Anthony Tyler shared. "The most important lesson is to continue to value family. Love your family, let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Cherish the moments because they can be taken away in a blink of an eye."
GBK would like to thank all the parents who were transparent in sharing their true thoughts surrounding the subjects discussed in this article.
I applaud the young men of the aforementioned parents for maintaining the “true-north” in life as both cadets and Army football players, in what is often a minefield of distractions … in this very surreal, yet real period we are in.
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