St. John's, Navy Prepare for Croquet Showdown

Players from St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy gathered on the lawn at the college Tuesday for practice in preparation for the weekend's big croquet match.

The college will host the 31st annual match Saturday between the two institutions on the front lawn in what has become a local rite of spring. The winner will take home the coveted Annapolis Cup. The "Johnnies" have taken the cup home 25 times out of the last 30 games.

Drew Menzer, St. John's imperial wicket or team captain, said his team has gathered a variety of players who enjoy taking competitive risks. Their strategy this year relies on some outside-the-box thinking, he said.

"We practice aggressive, difficult, high-risk plays, and often choose the one that has the biggest risk-reward. That’s how you improve," Menzer said.

At Tuesday's practice, the teams were dressed in rather different uniforms. St. John's uniform resembles a painter's outfit, and the Naval Academy team was dressed in traditional khaki shorts and polo shirts. 

The players took practice shots and made small jokes about their performances. It was all so good-natured that you wouldn't think they'd have a heated match in just a few days.

The public is invited to attend the match wearing Gatsby-esque clothing, and to bring a picnic lunch, according to a press release from the college. The fun begins at 1 p.m. Saturday on the college's front lawn.

Note: Several new ground rules were introduced in 2012: Spectators can still bring lavish picnics but cannot bring outside alcohol on campus; champagne, beer and wine will be sold at the match.

See more:

• An Annual Rite of Spring: St. John’s-U.S. Naval Academy Croquet Match 3st Anniversary Brings New Ground Rules for a Family-Friendly Celebration
• Outside Alcohol Nixed at Annual Croquet Match
• 2012:
• 2011: Croquet Tradition Continues at St. John's College