The sprint football team from Mexico's Military Academy, Heroico Colegio Militar (HCM), visited the U.S. Naval Academy Dec. 1-4 to play an exhibition American-style football game against Navy's team.

Sprint football is a type of football which imposes a 172-pound weight limit for all players, and emphasizes speed and agility.

After a hard fought game, USNA defeated HCM 34-0.

This was the second time the Navy sprint football team played the HCM team. Last year's inaugural game in Mexico City marked the first time in history the Navy sprint football team engaged in international competition in its 70-year history.

"It is an absolute honor for the Navy sprint football team to be selected for the second year to serve as representatives for the United States and NORTHCOM (U.S. Northern Command) as hosts for the Heroico Colegio Militar at the United States Naval Academy," said Marine Maj. Jeff Polson, USNA sprint football head coach. "Way beyond the gridiron, it is personally important to our entire team to have such an amazing opportunity to host our HCM counterparts at the academy, and to give them a small glimpse of what life is like as a midshipman."

In addition to facing off on the field, both teams lived in Bancroft Hall, attended classes together and shared experiences.

"The joining of our military academies on the field of athletic competition is a unique cooperative event," said Vice Adm. Ted Carter, Naval Academy superintendent. "The Mexican cadets and our Naval Academy midshipmen will build on the sense of esprit de corps and camaraderie uniquely shared by men and women in uniform. This athletic bonding by our future military leaders continues to build on our relationship as partners and neighbors."

Both teams travelled to Washington, D.C., Dec. 3 to immerse themselves in the culture and visit historic landmarks. All of the players also attended the American Athletic Conference Championship game at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium between Navy and Temple.

"This opportunity for the HCM team to experience the energy of a Division I championship game with the Brigade of Midshipmen and be hosted in one of the best environments on earth for college football is something they will not soon forget," said Polston.

The camaraderie the two teams shared both on and off the field serves as a unique show of cooperation between the militaries of the United States and Mexico.

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