Carson High cadets 4th at national competition

Carson High School’s Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program earned fourth place overall (All-Service – Mixed division) at the National Raider Team Challenge in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Nov. 2-5.

The inaugural event hosted by the U.S. Army Cadet Command brought together cadets from across the nation to compete in a series of physically challenging events.

More than 3,000 cadets in 250 teams from approximately 180 high schools competed.

CHS NJROTC competed in the All-Service category (Army, Marine Corps, Navy and U.S. Air Force teams), mixed division (males and females on the team). There were 40 teams in the division.

CHS NJROTC was the only Navy team represented.

Cadets spent the weekend plunging into mud pits, attacking obstacle courses and navigating rough terrain while carrying a simulated casualty. The competition featured five events: the cross-country rescue, physical team test, one-rope bridge, a 5K run and the infamous gauntlet.

Here is a summary of Carson High’s team placement in the five individual events and overall competition:

• Second place – one-rope bridge event

• Third place – 5K team run

• Fourth place – gauntlet event

• Fifth place – cross-country rescue event

• Seventh place – physical team test event

“The cadets were amazing! They completely exceeded all expectations,” said Carson High’s Senior Chief Jerry Skirvin. “That night, before the results were announced, we had conversations about how happy they’d be just placing in the top 15 teams. To watch the expressions on their faces each time they were called up for a trophy was awe-inspiring.”