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Saturday, March 1, the Bob Jones Drill Team participated in the 9th annual J.O. Johnson Invitational Drill Meet and brought back trophies with pride,after competing against 8 other teams.
The teams show their skill in precision and unison through segments like JV Squad with and without Arms, Varsity Platoon with and without Arms, Varsity Squad with and without Arms, Honor Guard, and Fitness Team.
In Fitness Team, where their strength and endurance is tested, Senior Steven Sparks took second place. The Varsity Platoon with Arms portion allows teams of ten to show their skills with their replica rifles. Cadet Colonel Christian Weiss leads our team and won first.
“My favorite team to be a part of is Platoon because it goes back to the basics of standard drill,” said Senior Heather Toler.
Cadet Colonel Josh Monis leads the Varsity Squad with Arms, similar to Platoon with Arms other than a shorter performance and having only 7 members, and won second.
The Varsity Squad without Arms is similar to being with Arms but doesn’t use the rifles when presenting. Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Chantel Watson led our team to tie for third with the JV Squad without Arms led by Cadet Captain Andrew Smith. Honor Guard is the final piece of the competition where four people use the American and Alabamian flag to create a routine.
“I like Honor Guard the best because we are able to honor our nation’s flag in front distinguished people of political and military standards,” said Senior James Agee.
Preparing every week on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, the work our Drill Team has put into this has paid off.
“My current team members are a very humble group, and that’s amazing because they’ve shown they are capable of being molded into the next reigning Drill Team in the Tennessee Valley area.” said Chief Clark. The team has come a long way.
“The purpose of this kind of team is to build camaraderie among its members, positively represent the school and JROTC program, and win at competitions,” as Chief Clark says.
Not to mention all the precision and execution of movement members learn when joining JROTC/ROTC.
“These rifles weigh nearly ten pounds and all members must perform these movements in unison, or the maneuver looks botched,” Chief Clark said.
In upcoming years of competition and tradition, JROTC/ROTC will remain the part of Bob Jones that reminds students of the dedication that Americans show over seas and at home.