David Cannella ’84 (Rifle, 1981–84)

David Cannella ’84 was one of the most accomplished marksmen in Army Rifle history during his career from 1981 to 1984. He earned a special NCAA award in 1984 and competed twice at the Olympic Trials. A standout performer on the national stage, Cannella was a five-time first-team NRA All-America selection—twice in smallbore and three times in air rifle—and a four-time second-team All-American. He set a school record in air rifle with a score of 386 during his runner-up finish at the 1983 NCAA Championships, leading Army to a fifth-place national finish under the old scoring system. Cannella followed that with a seventh-place finish in air rifle and 10th in smallbore at the 1984 NCAA Championships. Over his collegiate career, he helped guide Army to three sixth-place NCAA finishes (1981, 1982, and 1984) and was part of three record-setting teams by the time he graduated. A respected leader, Cannella served as team captain and went on to compete as an officer with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. He won the 3-Position Outdoor Metallic Sights National Championship in 1987 and was part of the winning 3-Man National Service Indoor International Smallbore Free Rifle Team. Cannella also represented the United States at the World Cup Shooting Championships in Mexico, Denmark, and South Korea.

Head Coach Michael Mahan ’70 (Men’s Rugby)

Michael Mahan ’70 dedicated more than 25 years of service to Army West Point’s Men’s and Women’s Rugby programs, becoming a foundational figure and guiding force in the sport’s growth at the Academy. Widely regarded as the “Godfather of Army Rugby,” Mahan led the program through a few transformative eras, including its historic transition from club to varsity status in 2014.

He first served as head coach of the men’s team from 1988 to 2002, returning in 2013 and taking the helm once again during the 2014–15 season. That year, he steered the team to a 15-3 overall record, an undefeated 8-0 regular season, a Rugby East title, and a top-five national ranking among more than 500 college rugby programs. Under his leadership, Army defeated nationally ranked opponents, including Penn State, Kutztown, Wheeling Jesuit, Air Force, and Navy. Mahan was named Rugby East Coach of the Year, and eight of his players earned All-Rugby East honors.

Over 16 total seasons as the men’s head coach, he led Army to 10 Collegiate National Championship Final Four appearances, with every team finishing ranked in the nation’s top nine. He also served as the first head coach of the Army West Point Women’s Rugby program from 2003 to 2005 and later held the title of coach emeritus. Beyond West Point, Mahan was head coach of the U.S. Army National Team for four years and led the Combined Service U-25 National Team for three seasons. He also contributed to the broader rugby landscape by serving on the executive board of USA Rugby.

A retired lieutenant colonel, Mahan served 21 years of active duty as an Airborne, Ranger, and Infantry officer. In addition to his coaching roles, he held positions at West Point as a professor and senior vice president with the Association of Graduates. Mahan is a West Point graduate with a degree in engineering and earned a master’s in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His legacy lives on through his wife, Dorothy, his son, Matthew, and granddaughter, Madeline. His legacy at Army West Point Rugby continues through the countless cadet-athletes he mentored and the culture of excellence he helped build.

Bob Robbins ’66 (Wrestling, 1963–66)

Bob Robbins ’66 stands among the elite in Army Wrestling history as one of just three two-time NCAA All-Americans, earning those honors in 1965 and 1966. He placed sixth in the nation at 137 pounds in 1965 and improved to fifth at 145 pounds the following year. Robbins was a consistent performer at the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) Championships, capturing the conference title at 145 pounds in 1966 and earning a fourth-place finish at 130 pounds in 1964. A three-year letterwinner, Robbins’ achievements solidified his place among the program’s all-time greats.

Kim Seminiano ’89 (Women’s Track and Field, 1986–89)

Kim Seminiano ’89 made a lasting impact on Army Women’s Track and Field during her remarkable collegiate career from 1986 to 1989. A two-time Division II Outdoor All-American, Seminiano received the prestigious Army Athletic Association Award in recognition of her outstanding achievements and leadership. She earned national runner-up honors in the high jump for two consecutive years, including her senior year when she set a school record of 5-10¾ at the NCAA Championships.

Seminiano captured Heptagonal (Heps) titles in the high jump both indoors and outdoors and was named the Outstanding Female Competitor at the Indoor Heps as a senior after winning the pentathlon and setting new Army and meet records in the high jump. As a junior, she broke the meet and Barton Hall field house records in the high jump at the 1988 Indoor Heps. In her final outdoor season, she defended her Heps high jump title with a meet and school record and also medaled in the 100-meter hurdles. Seminiano played a vital role in Army’s dominance over Navy, helping secure indoor and outdoor victories over their rival three straight years. A captain of both the indoor and outdoor squads, she still holds Army’s high jump records in both venues and was a three-year letterwinner.

Ray Thayer ’46 (Men’s Swimming and Diving, 1943–46)

Ray Thayer ’46 left an indelible mark on Army Swimming, earning six All-America honors and one honorable mention during his career from 1943 to 1946. At the 1945 NCAA Championships, he finished third in both the 500- and 100-yard freestyle events and claimed a national title in the 400-yard freestyle. The following year, he earned third-place finishes in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle, took fifth in the 300-yard medley relay, and also competed in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Thayer was a four-time NCAA finalist, placing second in the 400-yard freestyle in 1944, third in the 50-yard, second in the 100-yard, and fourth in the 400-yard freestyle in 1946. He served as team captain his senior year and earned three varsity letters. Following his time at West Point, Thayer served with distinction as a field artillery officer for 30 years, including combat tours in Korea and Vietnam, ultimately retiring with the rank of Colonel.