Every spring in Annapolis, something magical - and slightly mischievous - takes over the lawns. About 4,000 spectators gather, picnic blankets unfurled and curiosity buzzing, for what’s often described as a “friendly-but-fierce” rivalry. There’s singing. There’s dancing. There’s a trophy big enough to command respect. And then there’s the twist: the sport at the center of it all isn’t football or lacrosse, it’s croquet.
Welcome to the Annapolis Cup, the annual showdown between the U.S. Naval Academy and their cross-street rivals, St. John’s College. Since 1983, this springtime spectacle has blended serious competition with theatrical flair, proving that even the most genteel lawn game can carry dramatic stakes.
Legend has it the Annapolis Cup began with a bold boast. In 1982, the USNA Commandant reportedly told a St. John’s freshman, Kevin Heyburn, that Navy could beat St. John’s in any sport. The response? A perfectly timed, eyebrow-raising question: “What about croquet?”
What started as a cheeky suggestion quickly became tradition. The match was meant to build camaraderie between the two schools - and four decades later, that spirit is still alive and well. Each year, the Johnnies formally kick things off by attending lunch at King Hall, where their Imperial Wicket (team captain) ceremoniously challenges the midshipmen to the upcoming match. Polite? Yes. Intense? Absolutely.
The Annapolis Cup is steeped in traditions that make it delightfully unique. On the Navy side, not just anyone can play. Only midshipmen from a designated company (currently the 28th) are eligible to compete, earning them the coveted title of the “USNA croquet company.” Those who wish to participate are selected by the Imperial Wicket, making it both an honor and a responsibility.
Their uniforms are equally special. While most Navy athletes earn blue letter sweaters, Annapolis Cup players don crisp white sweaters adorned with a gold “N.” They pair these U.S. Croquet Association croquet whites with a team tie that changes each year. The look is part elegance, part intimidation.
Not to be outdone, the Johnnies bring their own flair. Their uniforms are a closely guarded secret until moments before the match and have included everything from Viking costumes, to kilts, to tongue-in-cheek Navy “Crackerjack” looks. Add in jaunty music from the St. John’s Freshman Chorus and the Naval Academy Trident Brass Band, and you’ve got a theatrical opening worthy of a curtain call.
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Once the ceremonial first ball is struck, the tone shifts from playful to focused. Each side fields a twelve-person team playing in pairs across multiple matches on a double-diamond croquet court of nine metal wickets and two wooden stakes. The objective: score fourteen wicket points and two stake points per ball before your opponent does.
Spectators lounge on the sidelines, picnicking and cheering, while Plebes in dress mess uniforms keep players hydrated. The croquet setup is equal parts garden party and athletic contest - and the competitors take it very seriously.
Preparation is key. For years, both teams have honed their skills by practicing with regulation croquet equipment against the Ginger Cove Croquet Team, made up of residents from a nearby retirement community. For many midshipmen, Ginger Cove players are not just opponents, but mentors.
April McBride, USNA Class of 1998, remembers her experience fondly. “St. John’s takes croquet very seriously, and they are difficult to beat,” she says. “Overall, Navy lost the year I played, but one of our teams won their match, so we considered that a big win!” Though Navy didn’t take the Cup her year, she recalls the atmosphere as festive, joyful, and unforgettable - a memory she still treasures.
This year’s Navy team, led by Imperial Wicket Midshipman Hayden McCullough, are ready. After an exhibition match against Ginger Cove and weeks of after-class practices on Farragut Field, confidence is high. The Johnnies will once again be welcomed to King Hall for lunch before the big day, continuing a tradition that balances rivalry with respect.
Historically, St. John’s holds the edge, with 32 wins to Navy’s 9. But as any Annapolis Cup veteran will tell you, records matter less than camaraderie. As one former Imperial Wicket put it, win or lose, the after-party - and the shared respect - is always worth it.
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The Annapolis Cup returns this year on April 18th at St. John’s College, marking the 42nd matchup of this beloved rivalry. It’s just one of many reasons springtime on the Yard feels electric.
Come watch more Annapolis croquet history unfold, tour the Naval Academy, or catch a club or varsity game. Every visit supports midshipmen and their extracurricular programs, from music and theater to club sports. Step onto the Yard and across the street - and experience the thrill of tradition, rivalry, and a little croquet-fueled drama. Go Navy! Beat the Johnnies!