A Battle of Tradition: The Annapolis Cup Croquet Showdown

By Tyrone Turner

In a scene of jubilant celebration, U.S. Naval Academy's croquet team member Liam Wert hoisted the championship trophy high, rejoicing in their triumph over St. John's College in the 2025 Annapolis Cup. Nearby, the observant eyes of Annapolis' Mayor Gavin Buckley and the Academy's Superintendent, Vice Admiral Yvette M. Davids, watched the moment unfold.

St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy continued their storied annual croquet competition on a pleasant Saturday, April 5.

The historic lawn of St. John's College, founded in 1696, became the stage for this event in Maryland's charming capital. Enthusiastic spectators, many clad in attire reminiscent of a genteel era with bowler hats and distinctive pins proclaiming their loyalties as 'Beat Navy' or 'Beat the Johnnies,' gathered in large numbers.

Making a grand appearance, the St. John’s croquet team unveiled this year's secretive attire: an outfit mimicking a grassy croquet field complete with miniature wickets and mallets.

Spectator favorite 'Bowtie Bob' Nelson reminisced about attending the iconic match since the days when entry was free. Sean Callahan, a luminary of the Naval Academy’s original croquet team and a Naptown Brass Band musician, entertained attendees at this year's event.

Both teams, the Johnnies and the midshipmen, assembled on the lawn, signaling the commencement of the contest.

The lively atmosphere was enhanced by dancing to the rhythms of the Trident Brass band from the Naval Academy. St. John's College Freshman Chorus signaled the impending start of the matches with a stirring performance.

In an orderly fashion, midshipmen in spotless white uniforms emerged, matched by the Johnnies, who stepped out wearing outfits designed to resemble the croquet field, capturing the whimsical spirit of the competition.

The roots of this annual clash lie in a friendly dispute from the early 1980s. A conversation between a student from St. John’s College and the Naval Academy's Commandant sparked a challenge—could the midshipmen defeat the Johnnies at any sport? Croquet was proposed, leading to a tradition that has endured, save for interruptions during the COVID pandemic, with the Johnnies claiming victory in the inaugural match.

April 5 marked the 41st meeting of this cherished croquet rivalry at St. John's College. Participants arrived in elegant costumes, eager not only to witness croquet mastery but also to enjoy swing dance performances, a brass band’s New Orleans vibes, and melodic singing.

Dalton Olsson of St. John's demonstrated his croquet prowess as teammate Angus Preston observed, alongside attendees from Navy's team.

In a spirited display of support, juniors Brynn Myers and Lindsay Irmiter wiggled their fingers in hope and support for their team, the Johnnies.

Swing dancing enlivened the crowd, building anticipation for the start of the matches.

The Naptown Brass Band led the dancing crowd through a lively atmosphere, adding to the event's festive mood.

Competitive matches ensued, featuring five official contests and one exhibition game, extending into the late afternoon. The palpable excitement was matched by the Naptown Brass Band's upbeat tunes, performed as they roved amongst the crowd, ensuring spirits remained high.

The deciding clash saw the spotlight fall on Johnnies' leader Magnus Oberg and partner Ben Dahlgren as they faced Navy's players Grant Bartuska and Andrew Wilkinson, amid heightened supporter enthusiasm after each strike of the mallet.

With the midshipmen securing ultimate victory, vibrant celebrations erupted on the field. The Navy's captain, Liam Wert, ceremoniously raised the trophy, with the team sharing victories by sipping from it, enhancing the jubilant camaraderie.

Sporting a floral hat adorned with a hummingbird, Citlali McDowell observed the match with flair.

Awaiting their grand entrance, members of the Naval Academy ensembles prepared to take the field.

The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable during the deciding game, with supporters from both the Naval Academy and St. John's College energetically expressing their team spirit.

Linda Stilwell Larson, an Annapolis local, exchanged greetings with one of the Naval Academy's mascots present at the competition.

Caden Marshall of St. John's confidently swung his mallet while teammate Leo Schumwinger watched and supported.

Alumni of the St. John's croquet tradition, such as Elizabeth Meade, Mia Kobylski, and Thomas Balding (all nicknamed 'Rusty Wickets'), contributed as volunteers during the 2025 tournament.

As the day's events drew to a close and crowds dispersed, a committed group of Johnnies gathered, lending their voices to a rendition of 'Sicut Cervus.' As explained by student Lainey Rendelman, the lyrics derive from Psalm 42, symbolically resonating as their unofficial collegiate anthem.

The uniqueness of the Annapolis Cup was highlighted by alumna Elizabeth Meade, who remarked on the difficulty presented by the uneven terrain of St. John’s lawn, a far cry from standard croquet courts. Players humorously refer to the variability with the saying, 'The lawn giveth and the lawn taketh away.'

Citlali McDowell, with her son Michael, enjoyed the vibrant view from their vantage point, encapsulating the day's celebration.

The St. John’s Freshman Chorus added to the day's charm with their performance prior to the commencement of the match.

A distinctive red 'clip' was noted on a wicket—marking the next target for players, a visual representation of the sport's strategic depth.

As Walker French from the Naval Academy swung his mallet, eyes were fixed on him, including those of St. John's Caden Marshall, showcasing the spirited nature of the competition.