JCLC
On May 23rd, 12 cadets from the mighty Rocket Battalion of Rockcastle County High School traveled to the Junior Cadet Leadership Camp at the Bluegrass Army Depot for training in leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the experience of what enlistment in the US Army would entail.
Some of these Junior Cadets were given the opportunity to lead a unit as a way to develop their leadership skills in practical, tangible situations. From marching their units to “chow” to ensuring their safety and organization, those selected to be leaders in different positions faced a multitude of challenges that those enlisted in the US Army could expect to face. They were thrown into situations where they had little to rely on but their own wits and those of their units to carry out specific tasks given by their superiors and instructors.
There were obstacle courses of sorts that the cadets were required to traverse with limited materials to slightly alter the course. Another type of course was 40 feet above the ground, in which cadets conquered challenges on thin wires and boards, held safely by a harness and guiding wires. The challenges were extremely difficult and required an exorbitant amount of teamwork and leadership skills in addition to their own mental abilities. After these tasks were completed (either successfully or not) those who underwent the challenge were led in a reflection by their instructors and determined what worked effectively and what did not, and the groups were able to develop both as teams and as individuals.
Developing themselves individually was also a large part of the camp. Participants learned to operate boats and watercrafts, they learned to rappel, and they worked to improve themselves physically and mentally, either by exercises or by going on “information scavenger hunts” where they had to talk to re-enactors at Fort Boonesborough to learn various things about the Fort and the area around it to complete an assortment of questions on a worksheet.
At the camp, two of RCHS’s Cadets were awarded for their performance. Cadet Marina Blevins was awarded a medallion for being a part of the squad that won the physical “Raider Challenge” and Cadet Timothy Henson won an award for being voted best leader of his 14-man squad and a trophy for second runner-up in a Battalion Leadership Board. Congratulations to those cadets.
On May 23rd, 12 cadets from the mighty Rocket Battalion of Rockcastle County High School traveled to the Junior Cadet Leadership Camp at the Bluegrass Army Depot for training in leadership, discipline, teamwork, and the experience of what enlistment in the US Army would entail.
Some of these Junior Cadets were given the opportunity to lead a unit as a way to develop their leadership skills in practical, tangible situations. From marching their units to “chow” to ensuring their safety and organization, those selected to be leaders in different positions faced a multitude of challenges that those enlisted in the US Army could expect to face. They were thrown into situations where they had little to rely on but their own wits and those of their units to carry out specific tasks given by their superiors and instructors.
There were obstacle courses of sorts that the cadets were required to traverse with limited materials to slightly alter the course. Another type of course was 40 feet above the ground, in which cadets conquered challenges on thin wires and boards, held safely by a harness and guiding wires. The challenges were extremely difficult and required an exorbitant amount of teamwork and leadership skills in addition to their own mental abilities. After these tasks were completed (either successfully or not) those who underwent the challenge were led in a reflection by their instructors and determined what worked effectively and what did not, and the groups were able to develop both as teams and as individuals.
Developing themselves individually was also a large part of the camp. Participants learned to operate boats and watercrafts, they learned to rappel, and they worked to improve themselves physically and mentally, either by exercises or by going on “information scavenger hunts” where they had to talk to re-enactors at Fort Boonesborough to learn various things about the Fort and the area around it to complete an assortment of questions on a worksheet.
At the camp, two of RCHS’s Cadets were awarded for their performance. Cadet Marina Blevins was awarded a medallion for being a part of the squad that won the physical “Raider Challenge” and Cadet Timothy Henson won an award for being voted best leader of his 14-man squad and a trophy for second runner-up in a Battalion Leadership Board. Congratulations to those cadets.
7 Mile Hike
On May 7th the Rockcastle County’s JROTC Adventure Team went to Sheltowee Trace Trail. Cadets were bussed out to the trail and then divided up into teams in the areas of trash pick-up, people to record trail status, and a trail clearing crew.
The group learned how to efficiently use the GPS to navigate through the hiking trail in order to record the coordinates of any major obstacles such as waterholes or fallen trees. This use of the GPS helped cadets to be aware of how far from the starting point they were at any given time.
Throughout this hike, a total of seven miles, it enabled students to be aware that they should make an effort to keep their environment clean as well as assessing their physical endurance while learning to effectively navigate through such. SFC Keith Graves reminded our group that a hike is not a stroll but an exercise that required the group to move at a fast pace.
Cadets who participated include: Andrew Barrett, Victoria Barron, Claire Beichler, Marina Blevins, Kyle Cash, Valerie Cummins, Robert Davis, Elijah Didelot, Matthew Gadd, Dana Hatfield, Tim Henson, Claudia Holstein, Marybeth Hurst, Ryan Martin, William Meritt, Dakota Messinger, Michelle Mink, Zach Nelson, Shatarra Prickett, Austin Ramsey, Amber Rice, Steven Rowe, Andrew Sizemore, Trevor Sweet, and Adrianne Walker
On May 7th the Rockcastle County’s JROTC Adventure Team went to Sheltowee Trace Trail. Cadets were bussed out to the trail and then divided up into teams in the areas of trash pick-up, people to record trail status, and a trail clearing crew.
The group learned how to efficiently use the GPS to navigate through the hiking trail in order to record the coordinates of any major obstacles such as waterholes or fallen trees. This use of the GPS helped cadets to be aware of how far from the starting point they were at any given time.
Throughout this hike, a total of seven miles, it enabled students to be aware that they should make an effort to keep their environment clean as well as assessing their physical endurance while learning to effectively navigate through such. SFC Keith Graves reminded our group that a hike is not a stroll but an exercise that required the group to move at a fast pace.
Cadets who participated include: Andrew Barrett, Victoria Barron, Claire Beichler, Marina Blevins, Kyle Cash, Valerie Cummins, Robert Davis, Elijah Didelot, Matthew Gadd, Dana Hatfield, Tim Henson, Claudia Holstein, Marybeth Hurst, Ryan Martin, William Meritt, Dakota Messinger, Michelle Mink, Zach Nelson, Shatarra Prickett, Austin Ramsey, Amber Rice, Steven Rowe, Andrew Sizemore, Trevor Sweet, and Adrianne Walker
George Rogers Clark invitational
This weekend, April 11, 2015, Rockcastle County High School JROTC sent two teams to Fort Boonesborough Raider Invitational: A Raider Team and Air Rifle Biathlon to represent the Mighty Rocket Battalion. Both teams performed spectacularly in all events and brought home two first place trophies.
The Air Rifle Team placed first in their event, the biathlon, which consisted of a 5 man team running 650 meters carrying a series of weighted equipment and then shooting prone for a total of 1000 points possible, 200 points per person. Dakota Messinger received special recognition for scoring a total of 195 points out of 200, the highest male score at the event.
The Raider Team placed first in the PFRC (a physical fitness relay event) which consisted of a crab walk, 10 burpees, backwards running, 10 squats, running up and down stairs, carrying two water jugs, and 10 sit-ups, all which required great endurance and strength. The other events the Raider Team participated in included a River Trek, Mountain Trek, Orienteering, Map Reading, and One Rope Bridge. All events that both teams were in tested strength, endurance, intelligence, leadership skills, and team work; all skills that a good team needs.
The cadets present (from right to left and front to rear) are as follows: Will Martin, Addison Atkins, Dillion Doan, Tori Barron, Elijah Didelot, Marina Blevins, Adrianne Walker, Zac Nelson, Jacob Sizemore, Holden Adrams, Matthew Gadd, Tyler Robinson, Dakota Messinger, Andrew Sizemore, Jacob Durham, Aaron Pevely, Kyle Cash, Ryan Martin, and Clare Beichler.
This weekend, April 11, 2015, Rockcastle County High School JROTC sent two teams to Fort Boonesborough Raider Invitational: A Raider Team and Air Rifle Biathlon to represent the Mighty Rocket Battalion. Both teams performed spectacularly in all events and brought home two first place trophies.
The Air Rifle Team placed first in their event, the biathlon, which consisted of a 5 man team running 650 meters carrying a series of weighted equipment and then shooting prone for a total of 1000 points possible, 200 points per person. Dakota Messinger received special recognition for scoring a total of 195 points out of 200, the highest male score at the event.
The Raider Team placed first in the PFRC (a physical fitness relay event) which consisted of a crab walk, 10 burpees, backwards running, 10 squats, running up and down stairs, carrying two water jugs, and 10 sit-ups, all which required great endurance and strength. The other events the Raider Team participated in included a River Trek, Mountain Trek, Orienteering, Map Reading, and One Rope Bridge. All events that both teams were in tested strength, endurance, intelligence, leadership skills, and team work; all skills that a good team needs.
The cadets present (from right to left and front to rear) are as follows: Will Martin, Addison Atkins, Dillion Doan, Tori Barron, Elijah Didelot, Marina Blevins, Adrianne Walker, Zac Nelson, Jacob Sizemore, Holden Adrams, Matthew Gadd, Tyler Robinson, Dakota Messinger, Andrew Sizemore, Jacob Durham, Aaron Pevely, Kyle Cash, Ryan Martin, and Clare Beichler.
20th Annual Military Ball
This past Saturday (03-28-15) the Rockcastle JROTC Battalion held their 20th Annual Military Ball at the Rockcastle County Area Technology Center. There were two portions of the Military Ball; a formal ceremony followed by a dance. During the formal portion of the night, we were treated to a wonderful meal catered by Limestone Grille. After the dinner, there was a presentation of two slideshows. One slideshow was to showcase what the Battalion has been involved in over the past year, and the other was a tribute to our senior cadets and our appreciation for their parents support. To close the formal ceremony, a Military Ball King, Queen, Prince, and Princess were crowned. These cadets led off the first dance into the informal portion of the night. The King and Queen for the night was Will Martin and Tiffany Horn. The Prince and Princess of the night was Holden Abrams and Victoria Barron. The Rocket Battalion would like to thank the special guests; Superintendent David Pensol, Principal Jennifer Mattingly, Assistant Principal Becky Smith, and all of the senior parents for their support, Tammy Sowder Photography, Carolyn Holt Flowers, SFC Keith Graves, and CPT Jeffrey Thompson.
This past Saturday (03-28-15) the Rockcastle JROTC Battalion held their 20th Annual Military Ball at the Rockcastle County Area Technology Center. There were two portions of the Military Ball; a formal ceremony followed by a dance. During the formal portion of the night, we were treated to a wonderful meal catered by Limestone Grille. After the dinner, there was a presentation of two slideshows. One slideshow was to showcase what the Battalion has been involved in over the past year, and the other was a tribute to our senior cadets and our appreciation for their parents support. To close the formal ceremony, a Military Ball King, Queen, Prince, and Princess were crowned. These cadets led off the first dance into the informal portion of the night. The King and Queen for the night was Will Martin and Tiffany Horn. The Prince and Princess of the night was Holden Abrams and Victoria Barron. The Rocket Battalion would like to thank the special guests; Superintendent David Pensol, Principal Jennifer Mattingly, Assistant Principal Becky Smith, and all of the senior parents for their support, Tammy Sowder Photography, Carolyn Holt Flowers, SFC Keith Graves, and CPT Jeffrey Thompson.
The National Air Rifle Service Championship at Camp Perry 2015
After advancing through the Army Postal Championship Dakota was one of six precision shooters from Kentucky invited to shoot in the 2015 Air Rifle Match. Dakota was recognized at Rockcastle High School with a Plaque and a letter of recognition from Colonel Michael Hedges, Commander ROTC 7th Brigade, Fort Knox, KY. Dakota competed in person at the Championship event of The 2015 Army JROTC Air Rifle Service Championship in Camp Perry, Ohio, February 13 - 15, 2015. This event was sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the Range Officer was a graduate from University of Kentucky, Brad Donohoe.
During day one of the two rounds of competitive shooting, Dakota Messinger scored 545 points out of 600. On day two, 15 February he scored 553 of 600 which is an awesome score for a second year shooter. He placed 13th of 21 at the Camp Perry facility. Dakota looks forward to helping other shooters based on his experience at this high level competition.
Dakota hopes next year to be part of a winning team during the 2016 Army JROTC Air Rifle Championship so he can compete against the winners of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy JROTC Academic Bowls.
After advancing through the Army Postal Championship Dakota was one of six precision shooters from Kentucky invited to shoot in the 2015 Air Rifle Match. Dakota was recognized at Rockcastle High School with a Plaque and a letter of recognition from Colonel Michael Hedges, Commander ROTC 7th Brigade, Fort Knox, KY. Dakota competed in person at the Championship event of The 2015 Army JROTC Air Rifle Service Championship in Camp Perry, Ohio, February 13 - 15, 2015. This event was sponsored by the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the Range Officer was a graduate from University of Kentucky, Brad Donohoe.
During day one of the two rounds of competitive shooting, Dakota Messinger scored 545 points out of 600. On day two, 15 February he scored 553 of 600 which is an awesome score for a second year shooter. He placed 13th of 21 at the Camp Perry facility. Dakota looks forward to helping other shooters based on his experience at this high level competition.
Dakota hopes next year to be part of a winning team during the 2016 Army JROTC Air Rifle Championship so he can compete against the winners of the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy JROTC Academic Bowls.
The following cadets competed from Rockcastle County in the Sergeant York Drill Meet: Addison Atkin, Nathaniel Barnett, Tori Barron, Clare Beichler, Stephen Blevins, Kaytlyn Davidson, Robert Davis, Elijah Didelot, Jacob Durham, Dana Hatfield, Tabatha Henson, Tim Henson, Will Martin, Desiree Mason, Will Merritt, Dakota Messinger, Lyndsay Newcomb, Zach Pheanis, Shetarra Prickett, Austin Ramsey, Amber Rice, Andrew Sizemore, and Kiara Welch.
Alvin C. York Agricultural Institute Drill Meet 2014
On Saturday December 6th, the Rockcastle County JROTC Drill Team traveled to Jamestown, Tennessee to compete in the Alvin C. York Drill Agricultural Institute Drill Meet. The Mighty Rocket Drill Team competed in six events throughout the course of the day on Saturday: Squad Inspection, Squad Regulation Drill, Color Guard, Solo Exhibition, Armed IDR Knockout, and Academic Competition.
During the Squad Inspection, eight squad members and one commander were inspected by Drill Sergeants in the Army Reserve. A Drill Sergeant would inspect each cadet’s uniform and ask general knowledge questions about JROTC, military history, and current events. The cadets were graded on their military bearing, confidence, and their professionalism.
In Squad Regulation phase, 8 squad members and 1 commander marched in a given sequence around the drill floor. The squad was graded by their sharpness in their marching skills, their military bearing, and how well they followed the given sequence.
The Drill Team’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Color Guards competed in the Color Guard phase. A Color Guard consists of 4 cadets; two cadets are the guards and the other two carrying the State and National flags. Each Color Guard is graded according to the given marching sequence, their professionalism, sharpness, and how well they can execute commands.
During the Solo Exhibition phase of the competition, each cadet competes individually on how well they can spin a drill rifle, how well their routine is, and the sharpness of their drill.
Armed IDR (Individual Drill Regulation) Knockout, is when all cadets compete against one another to see who can execute basic drill commands the best. Drill Sergeants grade this event and they will check how well each cadet’s military bearing is and how sharp they are with the rifle.
During the Academic portion of the competition, five cadets worked as a team to answer a set of questions over military history, current events, and basic Junior ROTC knowledge.
Over ten teams from different schools across Kentucky and Tennessee competed in the annual Drill Meet. Rockcastle County did exceptional in this competition. The Varsity Color Guard placed fourth overall, the Academic Team placed 4th overall, and Solo Exhibitionist Addison Atkin placed first overall.
On Saturday December 6th, the Rockcastle County JROTC Drill Team traveled to Jamestown, Tennessee to compete in the Alvin C. York Drill Agricultural Institute Drill Meet. The Mighty Rocket Drill Team competed in six events throughout the course of the day on Saturday: Squad Inspection, Squad Regulation Drill, Color Guard, Solo Exhibition, Armed IDR Knockout, and Academic Competition.
During the Squad Inspection, eight squad members and one commander were inspected by Drill Sergeants in the Army Reserve. A Drill Sergeant would inspect each cadet’s uniform and ask general knowledge questions about JROTC, military history, and current events. The cadets were graded on their military bearing, confidence, and their professionalism.
In Squad Regulation phase, 8 squad members and 1 commander marched in a given sequence around the drill floor. The squad was graded by their sharpness in their marching skills, their military bearing, and how well they followed the given sequence.
The Drill Team’s Varsity and Junior Varsity Color Guards competed in the Color Guard phase. A Color Guard consists of 4 cadets; two cadets are the guards and the other two carrying the State and National flags. Each Color Guard is graded according to the given marching sequence, their professionalism, sharpness, and how well they can execute commands.
During the Solo Exhibition phase of the competition, each cadet competes individually on how well they can spin a drill rifle, how well their routine is, and the sharpness of their drill.
Armed IDR (Individual Drill Regulation) Knockout, is when all cadets compete against one another to see who can execute basic drill commands the best. Drill Sergeants grade this event and they will check how well each cadet’s military bearing is and how sharp they are with the rifle.
During the Academic portion of the competition, five cadets worked as a team to answer a set of questions over military history, current events, and basic Junior ROTC knowledge.
Over ten teams from different schools across Kentucky and Tennessee competed in the annual Drill Meet. Rockcastle County did exceptional in this competition. The Varsity Color Guard placed fourth overall, the Academic Team placed 4th overall, and Solo Exhibitionist Addison Atkin placed first overall.
Campbell County JROTC Meet
On November 22nd, 2014, the Mighty Rockcastle County Raider Team sent a group of highly motivated young men to compete and represent “The Rock” in the annual “Raider Rally in the Valley” Raider Competition in Campbell County Tennessee. Cadets competed in the following six events throughout the course of the day on Saturday: One Rope Bridge, Cross Country Rescue, Knot Tying, First Aid Test, Map Reading Test, and Strength Test.
The One Rope Bridge consisted of an eight person team that erects a rope bridge across a stream. Teams had to tie their swiss-seat harness and construct the one rope bridge in least amount of time as possible.
The Cross Country Rescue was an event in which an eight man team carried a weighted field stretcher, weighted ammo cans, three 60 lbs. ruck sacks, and 2 jerry cans of water over a 1.0+ mile path. Along the route, each team member had to navigate obstacles with the given equipment. Teams were to complete this event in the fastest time as possible.
The Knot Tying event tested each cadets’ individual skills and knowledge in their knot tying ability. Cadets prepared by learning over 20 different knots. Each cadet was given a series of knots to tie and were judged on the correctness of them.
Map Reading and First Aid skills are critical to a Raider. Each cadet must be educated in reading a topographical map and knowing critical first aid skills. Four cadets were chosen to take a map reading test and the other four took a first aid test.
The most physically challenging event of the competition would be the Strength Test. Cadets were pushed to their physical limits as they had to complete a tire drag, carry a steel pole around an obstacle, one mile run while carrying railroad ties, and complete a push-up bridge. The team with the fastest time won this event.
The Rockcastle JROTC Raider Team competed against top schools from across Kentucky and Tennessee. Each cadet gave 110% effort and represented the community of Rockcastle County with pride.
The Raider Team would like to thank SFC Graves, CPT Thompson, and Mr. Didelot for sponsoring and chaperoning the trip for the weekend.
The Map Reading Team took 3rd place out of the 12 schools that competed. The Map Reading Team was Cadet Addison Atkin, Elijah Didelot, Dillion Doan, and Tim Henson.
On November 22nd, 2014, the Mighty Rockcastle County Raider Team sent a group of highly motivated young men to compete and represent “The Rock” in the annual “Raider Rally in the Valley” Raider Competition in Campbell County Tennessee. Cadets competed in the following six events throughout the course of the day on Saturday: One Rope Bridge, Cross Country Rescue, Knot Tying, First Aid Test, Map Reading Test, and Strength Test.
The One Rope Bridge consisted of an eight person team that erects a rope bridge across a stream. Teams had to tie their swiss-seat harness and construct the one rope bridge in least amount of time as possible.
The Cross Country Rescue was an event in which an eight man team carried a weighted field stretcher, weighted ammo cans, three 60 lbs. ruck sacks, and 2 jerry cans of water over a 1.0+ mile path. Along the route, each team member had to navigate obstacles with the given equipment. Teams were to complete this event in the fastest time as possible.
The Knot Tying event tested each cadets’ individual skills and knowledge in their knot tying ability. Cadets prepared by learning over 20 different knots. Each cadet was given a series of knots to tie and were judged on the correctness of them.
Map Reading and First Aid skills are critical to a Raider. Each cadet must be educated in reading a topographical map and knowing critical first aid skills. Four cadets were chosen to take a map reading test and the other four took a first aid test.
The most physically challenging event of the competition would be the Strength Test. Cadets were pushed to their physical limits as they had to complete a tire drag, carry a steel pole around an obstacle, one mile run while carrying railroad ties, and complete a push-up bridge. The team with the fastest time won this event.
The Rockcastle JROTC Raider Team competed against top schools from across Kentucky and Tennessee. Each cadet gave 110% effort and represented the community of Rockcastle County with pride.
The Raider Team would like to thank SFC Graves, CPT Thompson, and Mr. Didelot for sponsoring and chaperoning the trip for the weekend.
The Map Reading Team took 3rd place out of the 12 schools that competed. The Map Reading Team was Cadet Addison Atkin, Elijah Didelot, Dillion Doan, and Tim Henson.
JROTC Visits Roundstone Elementary
On October 23, 2014 the JROTC came to Roundstone Elementary School. There were different stations set up for fifth graders to participate in. One station was the American Flag trivia game. There was a flag and rifle station. Also there was a flag folding station and we got to fold a flag. We went to a flag rising station and learned about rising flags, there we also learned some of the commands they use in JROTC. The JROTC inspired kids to join JROTC when they entered high school, including myself. At a station we got to pretend we were the Color Guard and hold the American and state flags. Another station showed us how follow the commands in Color Guard. Many JROTC members were very helpful and answered a lot of questions. At the end of all the stations the Color Guard preformed for us. They did great! The 5th grade was very happy that the Color Guard came to Roudstone! Thank you to all the JROTC members who came.
On October 23, 2014 the JROTC came to Roundstone Elementary School. There were different stations set up for fifth graders to participate in. One station was the American Flag trivia game. There was a flag and rifle station. Also there was a flag folding station and we got to fold a flag. We went to a flag rising station and learned about rising flags, there we also learned some of the commands they use in JROTC. The JROTC inspired kids to join JROTC when they entered high school, including myself. At a station we got to pretend we were the Color Guard and hold the American and state flags. Another station showed us how follow the commands in Color Guard. Many JROTC members were very helpful and answered a lot of questions. At the end of all the stations the Color Guard preformed for us. They did great! The 5th grade was very happy that the Color Guard came to Roudstone! Thank you to all the JROTC members who came.
RCHS JROTC Visits BES
The JROTC from Rockcastle County High School visited BES 5th grade students on October 23, 2014 to demonstrate Color Guard drills, flag folding, flag raising, and flag etiquette. The students participated in a quiz game to test their knowledge of the history of our American flag. The fifth grade students and staff want to thank Sgt. Graves and his JROTC students for helping in preparation for our Veterans Day program.
The JROTC from Rockcastle County High School visited BES 5th grade students on October 23, 2014 to demonstrate Color Guard drills, flag folding, flag raising, and flag etiquette. The students participated in a quiz game to test their knowledge of the history of our American flag. The fifth grade students and staff want to thank Sgt. Graves and his JROTC students for helping in preparation for our Veterans Day program.
Whitley County Raider and Drill Competition
On October 4th, 2014, the Rockcastle County Raider and Drill Teams competed in the annual Whitley County Raider and Drill Competition. The competition consisted of the following events: Squad Drill, Color Guard, One Rope Bridge, Field Obstacle, Obstacle Course, and Tug-Of-War. Twelve other local schools were in attendance as well.
Squad Drill consisted of a seven cadet squad and performed a sequence of commands. The squad was graded on their ability to march sharply, uniformly, and consistently. The squad as a whole performed their best and earned second place in this event.
A four man Color Guard had to conduct a full sequence of marching and commands. Each Color Guard was graded on their performance executing the commands sharply and accurately according to the Army Field Manual of Drill and Ceremony.
For the One Rope Bridge portion, a six cadet team formed had to construct a one rope bridge over an obstacle and cross it in the shortest amount of time possible.
During Field Obstacle, cadets had to perform several events involving teamwork and leadership skills. The event had several different obstacles set up along a path, and the team had to complete each obstacle in as short of amount of time as possible.
During the Obstacle Course, cadets had to work together as a team to cross several obstacles. The team had to complete this event with shortest amount of time, and with little to no penalties as possible. This four man team placed second overall in this category of the overall competition.
The last event of the day is the Tug-of-War competition. Schools went head to head in a single elimination tournament to compete for the Tug-of-War champion title.
Each and every cadet who attended the Whitely Raider and Drill Competition gave their 100% best effort and represented Rockcastle County with pride and respect. Congratulations to all the cadets.
The following cadets were in attendence: Addison Atkin, Nathaniel Barnett, Victoria Barron, Claire Beichler, Marina Blevins, Kyle Cash, Jeremiah Caudill, William Cole, Bekka Davidson, Robert Davis, Elijah Didelot, Ethan Fain, Mathew Gadd, Dana Hatfield, Tabitha Henson, Tim Henson, Tiffany Horn, Marybeth Hurst, Brianna Lay, Will Martin, Will Merritt, Zach Nelson, Lyndsay Newcomb, Zach Pheanis, Shetarra Prickett, Austin Ramsey, Amber Rice, Tyler Robinson, Sam Skinner, Trevor Sweet, Adriane Walker, Kiara Welch.
On October 4th, 2014, the Rockcastle County Raider and Drill Teams competed in the annual Whitley County Raider and Drill Competition. The competition consisted of the following events: Squad Drill, Color Guard, One Rope Bridge, Field Obstacle, Obstacle Course, and Tug-Of-War. Twelve other local schools were in attendance as well.
Squad Drill consisted of a seven cadet squad and performed a sequence of commands. The squad was graded on their ability to march sharply, uniformly, and consistently. The squad as a whole performed their best and earned second place in this event.
A four man Color Guard had to conduct a full sequence of marching and commands. Each Color Guard was graded on their performance executing the commands sharply and accurately according to the Army Field Manual of Drill and Ceremony.
For the One Rope Bridge portion, a six cadet team formed had to construct a one rope bridge over an obstacle and cross it in the shortest amount of time possible.
During Field Obstacle, cadets had to perform several events involving teamwork and leadership skills. The event had several different obstacles set up along a path, and the team had to complete each obstacle in as short of amount of time as possible.
During the Obstacle Course, cadets had to work together as a team to cross several obstacles. The team had to complete this event with shortest amount of time, and with little to no penalties as possible. This four man team placed second overall in this category of the overall competition.
The last event of the day is the Tug-of-War competition. Schools went head to head in a single elimination tournament to compete for the Tug-of-War champion title.
Each and every cadet who attended the Whitely Raider and Drill Competition gave their 100% best effort and represented Rockcastle County with pride and respect. Congratulations to all the cadets.
The following cadets were in attendence: Addison Atkin, Nathaniel Barnett, Victoria Barron, Claire Beichler, Marina Blevins, Kyle Cash, Jeremiah Caudill, William Cole, Bekka Davidson, Robert Davis, Elijah Didelot, Ethan Fain, Mathew Gadd, Dana Hatfield, Tabitha Henson, Tim Henson, Tiffany Horn, Marybeth Hurst, Brianna Lay, Will Martin, Will Merritt, Zach Nelson, Lyndsay Newcomb, Zach Pheanis, Shetarra Prickett, Austin Ramsey, Amber Rice, Tyler Robinson, Sam Skinner, Trevor Sweet, Adriane Walker, Kiara Welch.
10th Annual EKU Cadet Stakes
The Rockcastle County Raider Team traveled to Richmond, Kentucky on September 27, 2014 to compete in the 10th Annual EKU Cadet Stakes. Out of 41 schools, Rockcastle County had both Varsity and Junior Varsity Raider Teams in attendance. Each team competed in six events over the course of the day.
The first event was the Modified Army Physical Fitness Test. Ten members of each team have to perform the maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups in one minute. Then, each cadet completed a cross country timed one mile run.
The next event of the day was the one rope bridge. A ten person team had to construct a one rope bridge across a muddy ditch, and then, each member with given equipment had to cross the one rope bridge, trying to get the fastest time as possible without any penalties.
The third event of the EKU Cadet Stakes was the boat operations. In this event, each team of ten cadets had to navigate a metal raft in a pond around an obstacle and return to the starting point by pulling the boat out of the water up a steep embankment and crossing the finish line.
After the boat operations segment of the competition, the cadets had to navigate a Cross Country Rescue Course. There were three segments for this event. For the first segment, cadets had to buddy up and carry each other in a fireman’s carry approximately 100 meters. During the second segment of the course, the team had to wade across a pond to get to the final segment of the course. In the final segment, the cadets had to carry a field litter with a dummy on it and cross the finish line.
The second to last event of the day was the Mystery Event. Cadets do not know the given tasks they must perform until arriving at the given site for this event. Team members had to fill up a water jug only using cups and running to the given jug and dumping the water in it. There was a ping pong ball in the bottom of the jug and the task was to get the water level up until the ping pong ball could float freely. Then, cadets took pieces of PVC pipe and transferred the ping pong ball without dropping it onto the ground to a designated “injured” team mate. After that, one member was tasked to carry the “wounded” team mate to a waiting field litter. Upon arriving at the field litter, all but one cadets were blindfolded. The blindfolded cadets could not speak and the team had to navigate a simulated mine field. The one cadet who was not blindfolded guided the team through the given obstacle. Then, all cadets took their blindfolds off and had to carry a section of a telephone pole about 100 meters to the finish line.
The last event of the day was the Tug-of-War. Teams went head to head in a single elimination tournament against all other schools.
The Raider team traveled home that day with sunburns, muddy uniforms, and the knowledge that they did their best. The Mighty Raider Teams gave their 100 % best and represented the Rock Nation with pride!
Varsity Team Members: Holden Abrams, Addison Atkin, Victoria Barron, Marina Blevins, Jeremiah Caudill, Marty Cole, Dillon Doan, Josh England, Tiffany Horn, Joseph Pearson, Keavin Webb.
Junior Varsity Team Members: Clarie Beichler, Kyle Cash, Elijah Didelot, Ethan Fain, Tabitha Henson, Tim Henson, Marybeth Hurst, Brianna Lay, Desiree Mason, Anthony Morris, Nathaniel Morrison , Zachary Nelson, Andrew Sizemore, Adrianne Walker.
The cadets would like to thank Captain Jeffery Thompson and Sergeant First Class Keith Graves for providing transportation and for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make this event possible.
The Rockcastle County Raider Team traveled to Richmond, Kentucky on September 27, 2014 to compete in the 10th Annual EKU Cadet Stakes. Out of 41 schools, Rockcastle County had both Varsity and Junior Varsity Raider Teams in attendance. Each team competed in six events over the course of the day.
The first event was the Modified Army Physical Fitness Test. Ten members of each team have to perform the maximum number of push-ups and sit-ups in one minute. Then, each cadet completed a cross country timed one mile run.
The next event of the day was the one rope bridge. A ten person team had to construct a one rope bridge across a muddy ditch, and then, each member with given equipment had to cross the one rope bridge, trying to get the fastest time as possible without any penalties.
The third event of the EKU Cadet Stakes was the boat operations. In this event, each team of ten cadets had to navigate a metal raft in a pond around an obstacle and return to the starting point by pulling the boat out of the water up a steep embankment and crossing the finish line.
After the boat operations segment of the competition, the cadets had to navigate a Cross Country Rescue Course. There were three segments for this event. For the first segment, cadets had to buddy up and carry each other in a fireman’s carry approximately 100 meters. During the second segment of the course, the team had to wade across a pond to get to the final segment of the course. In the final segment, the cadets had to carry a field litter with a dummy on it and cross the finish line.
The second to last event of the day was the Mystery Event. Cadets do not know the given tasks they must perform until arriving at the given site for this event. Team members had to fill up a water jug only using cups and running to the given jug and dumping the water in it. There was a ping pong ball in the bottom of the jug and the task was to get the water level up until the ping pong ball could float freely. Then, cadets took pieces of PVC pipe and transferred the ping pong ball without dropping it onto the ground to a designated “injured” team mate. After that, one member was tasked to carry the “wounded” team mate to a waiting field litter. Upon arriving at the field litter, all but one cadets were blindfolded. The blindfolded cadets could not speak and the team had to navigate a simulated mine field. The one cadet who was not blindfolded guided the team through the given obstacle. Then, all cadets took their blindfolds off and had to carry a section of a telephone pole about 100 meters to the finish line.
The last event of the day was the Tug-of-War. Teams went head to head in a single elimination tournament against all other schools.
The Raider team traveled home that day with sunburns, muddy uniforms, and the knowledge that they did their best. The Mighty Raider Teams gave their 100 % best and represented the Rock Nation with pride!
Varsity Team Members: Holden Abrams, Addison Atkin, Victoria Barron, Marina Blevins, Jeremiah Caudill, Marty Cole, Dillon Doan, Josh England, Tiffany Horn, Joseph Pearson, Keavin Webb.
Junior Varsity Team Members: Clarie Beichler, Kyle Cash, Elijah Didelot, Ethan Fain, Tabitha Henson, Tim Henson, Marybeth Hurst, Brianna Lay, Desiree Mason, Anthony Morris, Nathaniel Morrison , Zachary Nelson, Andrew Sizemore, Adrianne Walker.
The cadets would like to thank Captain Jeffery Thompson and Sergeant First Class Keith Graves for providing transportation and for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make this event possible.