WEST POINT, N.Y. — United States Military Academy men’s water polo athlete/team leader Mason Calbert ’23 (Valley Center, Calif./Valley Center) was recognized by former Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski as the competitive club cadet-athlete selection for a 2023 Mike Krzyzewski Teaching Character Through Sport Award,
Presented on May 4 at Washington Hall on the historic campus of Army in West Point, N.Y., the “Coach K Award” recognizes West Point athletes and coaches (sport educators) for their outstanding commitment to the development of noble character through athletic participation and leadership. Its recipients exemplify the Army Values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage both on-and-off the “fields of friendly strife.”
In addition, Calbert was previously recognized by Brig. Gen. Mark Quander, 79th Commandant of Cadets, with one of 17 Centurion Pins presented to captains of Cadet Competitive Club Sports.
In the ancient Roman Army, Soldiers were awarded the rank of “Centurion” based on their strength, size and skills, as well as years of dedicated military service. They would typically command legions of 100 men or more.
Now, the Centurion Pin recognizes the accomplishments and dedication of competitive club team captains and the student athletic club coordinator and to amplify Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s quote “On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days and other fields will bear the fruit of victory.”
