Bush tries out at placekicker

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- President George Bush revealed his inner football player Saturday, taking a kick at a football prior to the Army-Navy game in Philadelphia.

Bush, clad in an overcoat, walked around the perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field amid cheers and chants of "USA." He then unexpectedly walked over to a tee set up for a practicing Army placekicker and, with a swing of his leg, sent the ball flying about 15 yards.

The president and Defense Secretary Robert Gates also visited both teams' locker rooms before the game. Gordon Johndroe, presidential deputy assistant, said Bush put in a good word for Gates with the players, noting Gates "has agreed to serve in the next administration, which is good for our country.'"

Bush wished the navy team "all the best today" and exhorted the team to "play hard." He told the Army players to "have fun out there."

Bush also took part in the traditional coin toss to start the 109th gridiron meeting between the two military academies, won this year by Navy 34-0. It was his third time as president at the annual game and, as is tradition, he spent one half on each team's side of the field.

In an interview on CBS Sports, Bush was asked what the game meant to him. "Well," he answered, "it means to me that I have -- I got a chance to come and be with people who will be joining the finest military in the history of the world."