Navy sprint football player killed in Amtrak crash
One of the victims in the Amtrak train crash in Philadelphia on Monday was a Navy sprint football player.
Justin Zemser, a wide receiver, was one of seven confirmed deaths from the accident, which happened, when a train went around a low-speed curve at over 100 MPH and derailed.
Navy confirmed Zemser’s death on Wednesday. He was heading home after his second year at the Naval Academy.
“My wife, Lynda, and I join the Brigade, staff and faculty in mourning the loss of Midshipman Justin Zemser,” Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Walter Carter said in a statement “Justin was a talented, highly respected young man with a tremendously bright future. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the Zemser family, and our extended USNA family, during this very difficult time.”
Sprint football is governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League. Players must be less than 172 pounds to play (with a bodyfat percentage over 5) and games are governed by all NCAA football rules. Detailed rules are in place to make sure players stay within the weight guidelines and do not take extreme measures to conform to them.
Teams play seven games a year and nine teams are in the CSFL, including Army. Navy won the league with a 7-0 record in 2014. Zemser played in five of those games and had three catches for 47 yards.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
