ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Before the intensity of the Rio Grande Rivalry takes place on the field between The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State 7 p.m. Friday at the UNM Soccer Complex, there will be excitement coming out of the sky as the Navy Leap Frogs will perform just prior to the start of the contest.
The Navy Leap Frogs are a parachute demonstration team of the United States Navy. The group is made up of active duty personnel drawn from Naval Special Warfare – including Navy SEALs, Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen and support personnel – and are all volunteers. The Leap Frogs demonstrate professional Navy excellence by performing precision aerial maneuvers throughout the United States in support of Navy public outreach.
The Navy Leap Frogs are part of the Lobos’ Heroes Night where all military personnel can attend the game for only $3 (with military I.D.). Along with the Leap Frogs, the Navy will have their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) truck at UNM Soccer Complex as well as provide a singer for a live national anthem and a color guard from the USS Constitution – the oldest commissioned warship afloat (it was launced in 1797).
This will also be UNM’s home opener as the Lobos (3-2-2) enter the contest on a five-game unbeaten streak (3-0-2). UNM is 6-0 all-time against the Aggies (New Mexico State started women’s soccer in 2009). The matchup will truly have a New Mexico feel as a combined 31 players (14 for UNM, 17 for NMSU) are from the Land of Enchantment.