Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sports - Naval Academy
Comment
Get Email Alerts!

Not just a number

Capital Gazette Communications
Published 08/08/08

Watching a son take the field wearing a football uniform for the first time would make any father's chest swell with pride. That moment is even more special for fathers who played the game themselves.

Bill Wagner ­— The Capital Navy senior Michael Walsh, left, is wearing No. 78 this season in honor of his late father, who played at Villanova. That jersey number was previously worn by fellow defensive end Richard Marshall, Walsh’s roommate. Marshall, right, gave up 78 in favor of 48, which he wears in honor of his brother and former Naval Academy linebacker Brian Stann.
Find Us On Facebook

Thomas Walsh never got to see his son strap on a pair of shoulder pads or buckle a chin strap. Walsh, a former standout football player at Villanova University, would have really enjoyed that day.

Unfortunately, Michael Walsh couldn't play organized football until the fifth grade because he was always too heavy for the local Pop Warner League in Newtown, Pa. By the time 10-year-old Michael finally suited up for the Lower...

This story has expired!
You can purchase the full text in our news archives.

Copyright © Capital Gazette Communications LLC, 2012.
See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
YOUR COMMENTS

If you encounter other problems, please email nlundskow@capitalgazette.com and include your name, username, and any errors or messages that are displayed. The more information you can provide, the better able we will be to assist you.

In order to post or vote on a comment, you must be signed in with a hometownannapolis account.

Take a look at a summary of Commenting Guidelines.

LOGIN TO POST A COMMENT

If you encounter other problems, please email nlundskow@capitalgazette.com and include your name, username, and any errors or messages that are displayed. The more information you can provide, the better able we will be to assist you.

Username: Password:
Forgot your username? Forgot your password? Create an account
LOGIN
Facebook click
Twitter click
MDGazette click
HometownBowie click
video
video
Walker Babington, the Burning Man
video
video
Navy Sports Chat - football wrap up
video
video
Navy blimp lands at Lee Airport
video
video
Navy Sports Chat - Army Navy football preview
video
video
Singer Suzy Estrada
video
video
Fatal Kent Island fire

• BUY PHOTOS & VIDEO>>


slideshow
slideshow
Daddy Daughter Dance
slideshow
slideshow
MIAA Wrestling Championship
slideshow
slideshow
Navy vs VMI lacrosse
slideshow
slideshow
Home of the Week: Vicki Meade & Pat O'Connell
slideshow
slideshow
Anne Arundel Swim Championships
slideshow
slideshow
Wednesday to Wednesday, Feb. 1-8, 2012
#1 - Ten vie for Jones' council seat
#2 - Blue ribbon pairing
#3 - Home of the Week: Presidents Hill couple gets it 'write'
#4 - Arundel Digest
#5 - Winter dredge survey checks crab population
#6 - Dwyer joins same-sex marriage debate
#7 - Baltimore police: Public can record officers
#8 - Police Beat for Feb. 10
#9 - 'One more nail in the coffin for small business'
#10 - Guest Column: Local housing market victim of 'Fear Factor'
#1 - English county's official language? (19 comments)
#2 - Right Stuff: Judge O'Malley's decision (14 comments)
#3 - Animal Control: Injured pit bull used as 'bait dog' (12 comments)
#4 - Anne Arundel cracks down on land use offenses (7 comments)
#5 - Bates gets $1M grant for gym, theater (7 comments)
Advertisement
Advertise
Archive
Blogs
Calendar
Comments
Contact us
Cookbook
Slideshows
Video
AP Video
SUBMIT INFO:
Anniversary
Band info
Birth
Calendar event
Engagement
Letter
Obituary
Wedding
Share Ideas