On Saturday, 2 November 2024, Bob Jones High School AFJROTC hosted its annual drill and fitness competition –  The Rocket City Commanders Cup. The event had an excellent turnout thanks to the work of a hardworking committee and volunteers led by C/Nicolas Jensen, and AFJROTC’s Cadre, Major Lacey and Chief Clark.

The event set-up crew arrived at 0400 to prepare the campus for the event, setting up drill pads, concession stands, and the hospitality room and preparing the school for the over 15 teams competing in both fitness and drill events. Bob Jones volunteers continued to work diligently throughout the day, running the concession stand, calculating scores, ushering teams around the school, and much more behind the scenes.

The fitness component of the competition tested the athleticism and grit of competitors. Teams of 6 cadets from competing schools tested their skills in push-ups, sit-ups, a 4×400 meter relay, and The Knight Challenge Obstacle Course; a six-event course that tested competitors’ strength and endurance. The overall Rocket City Commanders Cup fitness trophy was awarded to Shades Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC in the male division and Columbia High School, Huntsville, in the coed division. 

Throughout the drill portion of the competition, competing cadets exercised precise movements in various drill categories. Including color guard, armed and unarmed exhibition, inspection, regulation, and squad categories. 

As the competition came to a close, the awards ceremony commenced. The winning teams of each category were recognized for their hard work and excellent performance.BJHS  Principal, Mrs. Lambert, presented the commanders’ cup to Greenville High School, the overall drill competition top team.