Events
St John’s Triumphs against U.S. Naval Academy for the Annapolis Cup
Croquet 2011
The annual St. John's-U.S. Naval Academy Croquet Match is a cherished rite of spring in Annapolis. Several thousand spectators arrived at St. John’s College with picnics and parasols on Saturday, April 30 for the Annapolis Cup competition, held on the college’s front lawn. Spectators, including St. John’s alumni, sported wide-brimmed hats, nostalgic dresses, suspenders and bow ties—as they cheered from the sidelines, celebrated spring—and croquet—with festive champagne picnics and swing dancing. The Johnnies, wearing uniforms inspired by the U.S. Naval Academy, won the match after close, competitive play. The final score: 3 to 2.
St. John’s College President Christopher B. Nelson, U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Michael H. Miller, and U.S. Naval Academy Commandant of Midshipmen Captain Robert E. Clark II were among those who welcomed the spectators and the teams.
Moments before the match the Johnnies revealed their surprise uniforms. “I’ve been planning these uniforms since Croquet 2010,” says Imperial Wicket Blake Myers, a St. John’s senior from Santa Fe, NM. In croquet parlance the Imperial Wicket is a team captain; at St John’s the Imperial Wicket chooses the team’s uniform each year—a closely guarded secret that Myers kept to himself for 12 months. Minutes before the team emerged Myers and fellow players shaved their heads—a nod to regulation haircuts—and donned croquet whites and sweaters with a gold “N”. The only clues as to which players were Johnnies: an insignia with a Mark Twain quote and their scuffed sneakers.
Read the press release...
St. John's College Croquet photo album on Facebook
Meet St. John's College's 2011 Imperial Wicket
2011 Croquet Factsheet
News Articles
- Baltimore Style - "A Wicket Tradition"
- Baltimore Sun -"St John's continues to dominate Navy on the croquet field"
- The Capital - "Croquet day: Pomp, circumstance and hats accompany competition"
- The Capital - "Croquet contest could be closer this year"
- Patch.com - "Johnnies Beat the Mids in Croquet, Spectators Dress to Impress and Have Fun"
- Patch.com - "Croquet Tradition Continues at St. John's College"
Photo Galleries
- Annapolis Sound - "One Gorgeous Day of Croquet – 2011 St. John’s vs. USNA Annapolis Cup"
- Baltimore Style - "A Wicket Tradition"
- Baltimore Sun - "St. John's - Naval Academy Croquet"
- The Capital - "St. John's vs. Navy Croquet Match"
- Patch.com - "Spectators Flock to St. John's College for 29th Annual Annapolis Cup Competition"
- Patch.com - "Croquet Tradition Continues at St. John's College"
Video
Croquet Weekend Events
The King William Players Present "Urinetown: The Musical" on Friday, April 29 - 8:15 p.m. Saturday, April 30 - 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1 - 6:30 p.m. The performances will be held in the Francis Scott Key Auditorium. For more information, see the King William Players' webpage.
The Spring Cotillion featuring live swing music at 9 p.m. in Randall Dining Hall, formal attire requested.
Guidelines for Guests
- No grills, kegs or dogs permitted on the St. John's College campus.
- Alcohol containers on campus must be monitored by an adult 21 years of age or older at all times.
- Guest tents and tables may be set-up only in the designated areas (in front of the Greenfield Library).
- No tents larger than 20-by-20 feet permitted on campus.
- Guests will not be permitted to set up their spaces before 8 a.m. on the morning of the match.
- All tents and other personal items must be removed from the front campus by 8 p.m. on the day of the match or they will become the property of St. John's College.
- Only lawn chairs and blankets permitted in the vicinity of the crouqet courts (north of the pathway to Prince George St.).
For questions regarding guidelines and tents, email the Alumni Office at alumni@sjca.edu or 410-626-2531.
Croquet Weekend Lodging
Annapolis is a popular tourist destination, and the local hotels often book to capacity well in advance for spring weekends.
Please consider staying with one of our local business friends, who provide support to the college, and frequently offer discounts to the St. John's College community
Another list of area B&Bs and hotels can be found here: Accommodations in Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Other special rates available:
Annapolis Hampton Inn and Suites, 124 Womack Drive, Annapolis Md 21401, is offering a special rate for guests from St. John's College. They are located 5.6 miles from the college — just a 10 minute ride. Mention that you would like the St. John's rate when making your reservation by calling 410-571-0200 or
book online and get special rate here!
Historic Inns of Annapolis (Calvert House, Johnson House and Maryland Inn in downtown Annapolis) has a preferred rate throughout the year for guests of St. John's College. Currently, they are offering a $75 weekday rate and 15% off of their normal weekend rates. Book online for their special rate (make sure "college" is entered into the Corporate/Promotion code area).
Hilton Garden Inn is located at 305 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. For the St. John’s College rate, call them directly at 410-266-9006 or book online here.
Croquet 2010
Congratulations to the 2010 St. John's College croquet team, winners of the 28th Annual Croquet Match! The score was 5-0. Many thanks go to the Navy team for another great match, and to all the guests and organizers for a tremendously successful event.
“Rite of spring: St. John's crushes Navy at croquet” (The Capital)
Meet St. John's College's 2010 Imperial Wicket
St. John's College Facebook Page
Croquet 2010 Photos
View a photo gallery from past matches