I experienced one of the most disappointing days of my life last Saturday.

As a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, one of my greatest loves is the rivalry between Navy and Notre Dame (second only to Army and Navy).

To many people this is just another college football game between a historical powerhouse (Notre Dame) and a grossly outgunned and outweighed service academy. What they don't appreciate is the history and tradition of the two schools that make the game so special.

During World War II, the Navy needed a place to train more men. Notre Dame, whose student enrollment had been decimated as men left to serve in the war, needed financial assistance. The solution was to offer up the entire Notre Dame campus for Navy training. From that day forward there has existed a bond between these two universities that has not, nor ever will be, broken.

This bond and the common culture that exists at both schools, embodying moral and personal character and a true sense of ethics, makes this competition one of the most beloved events for all service men and women and alumni of both schools.

CBS, I believe, has broadcast this game annually, and to celebrate the event, we invited both Navy and Notre Dame fans over to watch the game. Lo and behold, all channels broadcast the Duke-Clemson game.

As bad as it was for us, having a house full of people looking forward to watching this tradition play out again, it pales when compared to the disappointment this entire community felt for being denied the opportunity to see this game.

I understand the need to broadcast regional games that are steeped in tradition, but why on all channels? CBS should be ashamed!

Michael M. Martin

Pinehurst