This weekend, the top ten teams within Area 5 (Maryland and Virginia) competed in Drill, Academics, UPI, and PT. Our very own James River HS NJROTC got a chance to strut their stuff with the big leagues. So, Thursday 40 cadets left during lunch to go down to VA Beach for threes days to compete.
The first day was a travel day and after a multiple hour trip down, cadets settled into their rooms at the Day’s Inn. But, not before cadets went to the mess hall at Oceania for some chow. Later in the evening, cadets structured into groups with their rooms to go down to the boardwalk. During this time, cadets checked out the local shops and relaxed before their competitions.
The next day, cadets prepared for a day of drill. With their uniforms on, they took a bus to Little Creek base. In an open hanger, cadets competed in: Armed Basic, Unarmed Basic, Armed Exhibition, Unarmed Exhibition, and Color Guard. Cadets gave it their all, with each team leader drilling cadets and practicing weeks prior. There was tough competition but cadets kept spirits up with snacks provided by parents. After the competitions, cadets moved back to the hotel for a day at the beach. In spite of the cold, many decided to take a dip. Fueled by Chick-fil-a, cadets continued to practice and prepare for the next big day.
Finally, Saturday cadets woke up 0400 and prepared for the final day of competing. After arrived at Lake Taylor high school, teams began forming up and shining shoes as the Academic team shipped out to take an exam. 100 questions later, the Academic team returned and cadets switched into PT gear and their swishy suits for push ups and sit ups. Then came UPI, the heavy hitter of the competition. All 40 of the cadets had to stand an inspection for close to half an hour. Nearing the end, cadets then switched once more into PT gear for the 100m and 200m relays. After another day full of competition, cadets attended the award ceremony. Although cadets did not bring home and trophies, James River had scored top 10 out of the 57 units in the Area. They held their heads high on the bus ride back home, thus concluding the 2018 season. Hoorah cadets, job well done.
