United States Merchant Marine Academy

Jules A. “Red” Wagner, a 1945 USMMA graduate, becameone of the athletes to represent the academy in high-profilecompetition.  He was an accomplished speed skater prior toarriving at Kings Point and represented the academy well withnumerous top finishes in Middle Atlantic States Skating Associationcompetitions.  Wagner advanced to the finals of the SeniorMen’s Silver Skates Derby at Madison Square Garden in 1943,and recorded a fifth-place finish in 1945.  Adm. Giles C.Stedman recognized Wagner for his efforts by writing a letter ofcommendation, and ordered Kendrick Field to be flooded to create apractice rink for Wagner.  He has also been an activesupporter of the Academy following his graduation.  Wagner hasbeen actively involved with the Northern New Jersey Alumni ChapterMariners Award since its inception in 1964, and has chaired theprogram since 1970.  He worked in the press box atMariner’s football games from 1974-1994, including spendingfive years as the public address announcer. 

Wagner also received a number of awards for his contributions tothe Academy, including: the first Northern New Jersey AlumniChapter Achievement Award, the Blue & Gray Outstanding AlumniService for Varsity Athletics Award, the 1980 Meritorious AlumniService Award, and the 1983 Alumni Association InformationRepresentative of the Year.  He has also been a loyal memberof the Mariners gridiron club for over 20 years.  Wagner hasadditionally served on the Alumni Association Board of Directorsand was Regional Vice President.  He has continued to competein athletic events since leaving the Academy, completing five NewYork City Marathons and a Long Island Marathons from1985-1990.  He has earned over 200 awards in downhill skiingin the Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G events.  In the2004-05 season alone, he won 15 first-place medals and won theAmerican Ski Racing Alliance 2005 Season class championship; whichhe also won in 2004.