When Navy football joined the American Athletic Conference before the start of the 2015 season, head coach Ken Niumatalolo expressed some frustration over how his program was perceived. Navy had put together more than a decade’s worth of winning seasons, but there were still many in the media who questioned whether the Midshipmen would be able to sustain that success as a member of what was turning into a solid league.

Two years later, there aren’t many doubters left; the Mids have earned at least a share of the West Division crown in each of their first two seasons. Niumatalolo credits his program’s culture for its continued success.

“I think for us, I think to be able to win this long, your culture has to be strong,” he said. “Strategy comes and goes, but if the foundation of your culture is strong, I think your program stays strong staying true to your values and what you’re about.”