Midshipman faces discipline for scaling chapel in tradition

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A midshipman who completed a tradition at the U.S. Naval Academy that has been said to carry a reward, will instead face discipline.

The Capital quotes academy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. David McKinney as saying Monday that the unidentified midshipman faces serious consequences for scaling 225 feet (70 metres) to place his cap on top of the chapel’s obelisk last week. He climbed the obelisk in the days leading up to the Army-Navy football game.

The tradition dates back to 1845, and is said to earn the successful midshipman relaxed restrictions. There have been three other reported successful attempts since the 1970s, at least two of which involved midshipmen keeping their feet on the ground.

McKinney says the dangerous nature of the climb moves it beyond the realm of a prank.

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Information from: The Capital, http://www.capitalgazette.com/