The San Benito Naval Junior Officer Reserve Training Corps – comprised of Unarmed, Armed, Color Guard, Physical Fitness, and Academics Teams – qualified for Area 10 State Drill Competition after earning second place at W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi recently.
Area 10 covers areas from Dallas to Los Fresnos and Laredo to Beaumont. With the win, the NJROTC will now compete for one of the two spots to participate at the national competition slated for February 24-25 at Texas A&M University in Houston.
NJROTC instructors Chief Timothy Wilson, Chief Petty Officer Jesus Gaytan, and Captain Nels Swanson congratulate the cadets for their efforts and look forward to the next competition.
“This has been 15 years in the making. With the cadets spending more than six hours every week after school since August, they were able to achieve their goal,” Wilson said.
Excitement filled the air when cadets heard the news of their qualification.
“Nothing but excitement ran throughout their body. The teams felt accomplished as they practiced the routine over numerously,” Wilson said. “Not only did the drill team members feel proud, but everyone felt that as a unit, we all gave our part.”
The instructors extend their appreciation to the school district, parents, and especially to all the NJROTC cadets who dedicate their time to practicing for competition.
The qualifying team is counting on their fellow cadets’ encouragement as they continue to practice to earn the top spot at nationals.
