Members of the Raider Team in the JROTC program at Junction City High School competed in the national Raider Championships in Molena, Georgia and brought home first place in the All-Service division.
Ted Ahlers, Sgt. 1st Class, confirmed the final results made the JCHS team the national champions. "I think we were all pretty shocked when they announced the results, but very happy with the results."
Grant Shrader, Team Captain, said there were four main events at the national championship including a five-kilometer team run, a physical team test, a gauntlet involving a one mile run through the woods with four 35-pound rucksacks and two weighted ammo crates, and a one rope bridge navigating the cadets over a river. There was also a separate ultimate raider competition.
Shrader was shocked upon learning the team had won the national championship. "The way my teammates described it my jaw pretty much dropped to the floor. Turned around and looked at them in formation, couldn't believe it to be honest."
Shrader said the team has also been receiving a lot of support from the staff and students at the high school. The Raider Team included 14 participants at the national championships.
Ahlers said to become involved all students need to do is be a member of Junior ROTC and attend practices. The fall season is over but there will be a spring season with practice beginning in mid to late February.