Interview with Dan Sartin – US Military Academy at West Point

Dan Sartin is a 1974 graduate of Morgan County High and an Engineering graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. He served in the Army Infantry after graduation and had achieved the rank of Captain when he left the Army to enter the private sector. Dan did his post graduate studies at the University of Kansas, studying Engineering Management. The proud parent of two children, he now lives in Austin Texas.

At the age of 18, Danny’s skill at football, coupled with his integrity, perseverance and intelligence landed him an appointment to West Point. This is no run of the mill college experience; it takes so much more than most of us realize to succeed in such a disciplined and tough academic setting. His ability to adapt and flourish under these extraordinary requirements have ushered him through the rigors of a military career and personal challenges. My admiration and respect for him and his accomplishments is immense!

Charlsa: Several of the boys you played high school ball with-including yourself, went on to play college football at various universities. That is unusual for small high school programs that would otherwise not be distinguished as “standouts” within the State. Do you have thoughts as to what characterized the teams and young men you played with in you high school career?

Dan: I think it is a combination of all of those things. I remember summer vacations in high school when all we could think about was the start of football practice. It was an incredible mix of dreading the two a day practices, the anticipation of the first day in pads and getting to hit again, and just looking forward to that first game. The coaches were always encouraging us to prepare for the season and all of us were focused on how we could get better. I think it is a feeling that continues to thrive in the south, football was as much a part of our life as anything, we lived for Friday night and game time. When I think of some of my fellow teammates and the accomplishments they achieved, I am so proud to be associated with them.

Charlsa:  Tell us how you were recruited to play for and attend West Point. Were you expecting such an appointment? Was there local influence in securing this appointment?

Dan:  I am still not sure exactly how it all transpired. I received a call one Friday night from a coach at West Point saying they had seen film from our games in Hartselle and they wanted to invite me up to New York to try out for the Army Team. I went to West Point and tried out with players from all over the US and afterwards I was asked to apply for admission to the Academy. I believe a MALO, (Military Academy Liaison Officer) submitted my name for consideration by the coaching staff. Military Academies rely on former grads to identify talent for admissions. I had to apply for nominations from my Senators and Congressmen for admission to West Point.

Charlsa:  Well, that certainly makes ME proud of you! It’s no secret that admission criteria at West Point are set extremely high. Your ability to play football
was only one component of your acceptance. The character, personal tenacity and leadership abilities you possess played a huge role in being selected for study and training at our country’s top military academy.

What position/s did you play for Army? How does the size, weight and speed of the game today compare with the years you played?

Dan:  I started out playing defensive end for Army and then was moved to offensive tackle my sophomore year. I do remember being the smallest lineman on the offensive line, not a distinction I’m necessarily proud of! When I look at the players today I am amazed at the size and speed they all possess! My size then would not even get me noticed in today’s college football world.

Charlsa: Yes, I’ve heard a couple of other players from the 1970’s make similar observations.Please give us a memorable moment/s from your playing days as a high school and college player.

Dan: In high school it had to be key wins against our rivals (Decatur, Austin) and coming so close to making the state playoffs as a senior. In college I cannot tell you how humbling it was to take the field for the annual Army-Navy game in Philadelphia. At West Point there is no game more important than the Army-Navy game. To see all of the former graduates, military heroes, and the immense display of patriotism in the stadium is something hard to describe and explain. Even today as I watch the annual game and see young athletes and future leaders of our military forces play a game with such tradition, knowing that they may well be in a war zone within a year of graduating, I feel a great sense of pride.

Charlsa:  Yes, I certainly see your point. That’s a sobering thought. How has your experience at West Point and your military career served you as a businessman, a man and a father?

Dan:  West Point took the concept of teamwork we learned on the football field and ingrained in me the importance of that teamwork in all other facets of life. On the field and in the game the team’s success depends on each member of the team doing his job to the best of his ability, supporting a common goal. In the military it may well mean the difference between life and death. The importance of teamwork in your family, your job, your life, it is the common goal that makes us successful.

Charlsa:  ‘A very CLEAR connection, there.

Tell us a little about your Army career and then your business experiences since leaving the Army.

Dan: I served in the Army as an Infantry Officer assigned in Central Germany to the 3rd Armored Division. I was privileged to serve in various leadership positions and command a Mechanized Infantry Company on my first tour. While in Germany I discovered Rugby and was fortunate to play with The Frankfurt American Rugby Club. We played teams throughout Europe and I had the opportunity to play in the Heineken Sevens International Rugby Tournament in Amsterdam. An interesting transition from the full pads of football to no pads and full tackle rugby! In the business world I have worked with many great companies in the field of logistics and distribution.

Charlsa: Do you follow college football today?

Dan:  Of course, college football will always be my favorite spectator sport. Whenever I can I attend the Army-Navy game, and I also try to attend one game at West Point when possible. I love that the SEC has established itself as the premier conference in college football, not that we didn’t know that already in Alabama! I am now in Texas and it has been interesting observing the conference re-alignments and the move of Texas A&M to the SEC and the potential impact on the Big 12.

Charlsa: Yes, you are right there in the middle of a “hot-bed” of expansion talk. I know you have 2 wonderful children of whom you are very proud! Tell us a bit about each and what they are doing now.

Dan: Well my son Tavis is currently teaching English in Japan after getting his degree in German from the University of Kansas. My daughter Maryl just graduated for the University of Vermont and is currently living in the Washington DC area.I cannot tell you how proud I am of both of them. They both spent time studying abroad in Europe, Tavis in Germany and Maryl in France, and have really become world travelers. I know great things are definitely in their future.

Charlsa: Fabulous! Do you have any parting comments that our readers might find interesting?

Dan:  I just have to say that football in the small town of Hartselle, AL, literally opened up a world of possibilities for me.

In closing, each Army football player passes a sign as they go out onto the playing field that features a quote by General of the Army George C. Marshall Chief of Staff during World War II. This sign says, “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.”

I can assure you that every Army football player and officer takes that “charge” very seriously and aspires to that high calling.

Charlsa: Thank you so much, Danny.