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Message: [QUOTE="Chin Diesel, post: 4465117, member: 34"] Both true. Academies have to draw from all around the country. Each congressman gets a certain number of vouchers or invites from their district. It's meant to ensure the academies reflect all areas of America and diversity of population and geography. Plus, a kid can leave the academy and refund the cost of attendance but you aren't transferring in to the academis. So, transfer portal is a one way transaction. For kids who may be marginally qualified (and not just for athletics) they have a one-year prep academy to shore up academics. For Navy it's at Newport, RI. Bottom line, it's tough but Ken showed he could succeed at the academy. I think over any 20 year period there will be ebbs and flows between USMA, USNA and USAFA. Thinking any one academy will keep a long-term advantage over the other two is wishful thinking. Finally, the academies athletic programs are heavily (if not fully) funded by donors to minimize tax payer expense funding athletics. So, while athletic success isn't essential to the school's reputation or fan base, those who stroke the checks have egos and have connections with those who stroke checks for the other academies. Never understimate egos being smushed when one team beats another. [/QUOTE]