Coast Guard Academy cadets prepare for Superbowl XLVI showdown

Excitement runs high as cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., prepare for the big showdown Sunday between the New York Giants and New England Patriots during Superbowl XLVI.

U.S. Coast Guard First Class Cadet Eddie Kalankiewicz, 22, of San Diego, and Giants fan, organized the event to be held for cadets in the Leamy Hall Ballroom and Officer’s Club for cadets to enjoy food and view the anticipated game.

“I requested to do this because I’d done it before, and I felt that I could meet everybody’s needs,” said Kalankiewicz. “I went out my way to make sure we had additional raffles this year, and this is the first year there is no cover charge to attend this event.”

Gift cards, banners, t-shirts and assorted gear will be raffled after the first quarter and during intermissions and commercials.

Of the more than 1,000 cadets in the corps, nearly three-quarters are expected to attend said Kalankiewicz. However, every cadet at the academy will have a chance to eat a meal of pizza, subs and wings provided by caterers at the Officer’s Club and Aramark.

“I made sure the wardroom was closed so every cadet is guaranteed a meal. It works out well; even restricted cadets are welcome to eat and watch the game,” said Kalankiewicz. “This is the first year this event will include everybody.”

U.S. Coast Guard Fourth Class Cadet Jalle Merritt, 18, of El Paso, Texas, and Patriots fan, is looking forward to attending the event at Leamy Hall.

“With everyone down there, it’s going to make the event bigger,” said Merritt. “All the play-offs and lead-up has been intense. It’s a big deal. Why wouldn’t you go?”

U.S. Coast Guard Third Class Cadet Matthew Miller, 19, of Wrentham, Mass., and Patriots fan, will also be attending the event.

“It’s the Patriots!” said Miller. “It’s a great atmosphere to be there with your buddies, and it’s something different to do. It gets you out of your room.”

“This is the biggest morale event of the year, and this is always something to look forward to,” said Kalankiewicz. “This is for cadets, and this is our time to bond. This is going to be a fun event, and I’m looking forward to it.”

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