The halls of the famed United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, are marked by the footsteps of current and former alumni who answered a higher call to serve and protect their nation while receiving an education at one of the most prestigious schools in the United States – if not the world. The United States military academies stand out among a crowd of schools due to their academic, mental, and physical rigor. Additionally, the academies are extremely selective – only picking cadets who showcase strong leadership capabilities, strategic planning, and athletic prowess. And now one of HSE’s own, swimmer Connor Pugh (12), is preparing to take his place at the historic and prestigious Naval Academy.
Connor received appointments to both the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Naval Academy on January 5 and 8, respectively. Prior to his admission, Pugh attended Hoosier Boys State, received a nomination from Indiana Representative Victoria Spartz, and received a Letter of Assurance (LOA) – an LOA is a formal, early notification that is sent to top-tier applicants indicating that they are fully qualified to attend.
“It was an exciting week,” says Connor. “But I ultimately chose to accept my appointment to USNA and declined my appointment to USMA.” Connor further explained his decision: “Between the two it ultimately came down to my desired career and field, and I’d always been drawn to the nuclear programs the Navy has. I still hold immense respect for the Army and West Point.”
When asked why he decided to attend a military academy, Connor explained, “My whole service academy journey began when I saw one of those ‘Class of’ announcements on Canvas describing USNA’s summer seminar. That was what started my interest in the service academies.” Connor added that he went on to attend the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar, and points to this experience as what really drew him into the academies. “Just about every professor, cadet, and midshipman I met at USNA and USMA was dedicated and motivated on another level. I knew I wanted to be pushed forward by my peers and college experience, so that’s why I applied.”
As Connor’s seven-week training period, dubbed “Plebe Summer,” at the Naval Academy approaches, we take a look back on how swimming at HSE shaped him and his decision to attend the Naval Academy.
“I think that swimming teaches an incredible way to approach life. I was never a great swimmer, but the mental framework it offers is more valuable than any time you might swim,” Connor said. “You become used to facing hard things.”
When asked how he persevered through doubt, failure, and exhaustion in preparation for the Naval Academy, Connor stated, “I know what lies ahead for me, I know that Plebe Summer at USNA will be the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. I know there will be painful early morning workouts, oppressive conditions, and high expectations. I know that I will be tested in every aspect. I know that I will fail. But thanks to swimming, I know that if I show up every day, face hard things, make mistakes, and learn, I will get through it and be a better man by the end.”
As stated previously, the Naval Academy’s mix of rigorous mental load paired with the strenuous physical activity is enough to deter most high school students. In an ESPN article covering the Army-Navy football tradition, the head Navy football coach, Brian Newberry, stated the following: “Their (cadets’) entire day is filled. And it’s not just classes, it’s legitimate classes. And they’ve got things in the evening within their company and military responsibilities. They don’t get sleep like you do at another place.”
But for Connor, this amount of stress is nothing new.
“Every practice looks impossible at the start, but you keep your head down and get it done; then you show up the next day to do it all over. That resilience is vital to success everywhere in life, but especially at a service academy,” explained Connor.
Connor also credits his strong time-management skills as his token of success. “Of course, balance is important wherever you go. For me, my strategy has always been to get things done well and early. I’m also a big fan of to-do lists, especially during the admissions process. Between the nomination sources and the academies, it ends up feeling like applying to six colleges at once. But if you just break it down into individual tasks, it becomes a lot easier.”
As Connor finishes up his last year of high school swimming, we commend his decision to pursue excellence and his undeniable sacrifice for our nation. Connor Pugh serves as an example for all Hamilton Southeastern student-athletes – able to distinguish themselves among a crowd defined by talent and dedication – and brings pride to the entire Royals Swim Team.
