17th Company stands proudly during noon meal formation. USNA photo by MCSN Michael Croft.

The Color Company tradition started in 1867, and recognizes a superior performing company with the honor of carrying the flags in color parades.

''This says a lot about their willingness to put their best foot forward,'' said Gunnery Sgt. Eric Holt, 17th Company Senior Enlisted Leader. ''They’ve witnessed a lot of change that they’ve accepted and adjusted to in order to carry out the mission successfully. My hat is off to them. They’ve done an awesome job.''

During the competition for Color Company, each of the Brigade’s 30 companies is graded on subjects ranging from athletic participation, military performance and grade point average, and receives points in each category. The company with the highest total at the end of the competition wins the title.

''It’s nice to have a title for everything we’ve worked so hard for,'' said Midn. 1⁄c Zachary Templin, 17th Company Commander. ''I feel like my whole four years with 17th Company, we’ve had a clear understanding of what we want to accomplish and we always strive for it. I think this achievement is a testament to that.''

Templin said he feels 17th Company is tight-knit and placed a focus on providing support to each individual in the company, resulting in improved performance among the nearly 150 Midshipmen who comprise it.

''I feel with the label of Color Company comes the expectation to perform exceptionally well in certain areas,'' said Templin. ''However, in 17th Company, we try to make that the standard we hold ourselves to at all times. We’re always striving to better ourselves and always preparing for the next big thing.''

17th Company can attempt to hold on to the Color Company title as they set foot into the new semester. Though the task may seem difficult, Templin remains optimistic in his company’s abilities.