Virginia JROTC cadets tackle competitions at Raider Challenge
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corp JROTC cadets from across Virginia gathered at Pocahontas State Park for the Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier on Saturday, Nov. 16. Over 30 high school programs participated in the competition, putting their teamwork and physical prowess to the test in five challenging events: a 5K, obstacle course, rope bridge, Hummer pull and litter carry. The top three male and co-ed teams with the fastest overall times advanced to the next Raider Challenge meet, where they will compete for a spot at the National Raider Challenge in the fall of 2025. Richmond Public Schools hosted Saturday's competition with JROTC Director of Army Instruction Col. Samuel Licorish overseeing the event. “The program is designed to motivate our students to be better citizens. And I'll tell you out here today, I've seen nothing but the example of that," Col. Licorish said. Benjamin Gilroy, Battalion Commander of Fishburne High School, whose team placed third, said he couldn't be more proud. "I think it's amazing that we can have so many young adults out here participating in something that's challenging not only to themselves but as a team as a whole," Gilroy said. Female cadets, like co-captain of Dinwiddie High School JROTC program Victoria Mohr, also proved their strength and determination, competing alongside their male counterparts. "Being a part of a mixed team like our school is, you have to keep up with the males. You have to push forward through those requirements," Mohr said. "But it's also very freeing to know that you can keep up with them and that you can continue on and move to the next stage. It's the most amazing feeling." While only six teams took home trophies, the true victory lies in the skills and memories gained by all participants. “I know everyone else on my team just takes joy in doing something that pushes you beyond what you think you are capable of," Gilroy said. Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier co-ed finalists: Woodbridge High School - 1st Buckingham High School - 2nd Prince George High School - 3rd Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier all male finalists: Alexandria High School - 1st Susie Gibson Science and Technology Center - 2nd Fishburne High School - 3rd
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CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corp JROTC cadets from across Virginia gathered at Pocahontas State Park for the Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Over 30 high school programs participated in the competition, putting their teamwork and physical prowess to the test in five challenging events: a 5K, obstacle course, rope bridge, Hummer pull and litter carry.
The top three male and co-ed teams with the fastest overall times advanced to the next Raider Challenge meet, where they will compete for a spot at the National Raider Challenge in the fall of 2025.
Richmond Public Schools hosted Saturday's competition with JROTC Director of Army Instruction Col. Samuel Licorish overseeing the event.
“The program is designed to motivate our students to be better citizens. And I'll tell you out here today, I've seen nothing but the example of that," Col. Licorish said.
Benjamin Gilroy, Battalion Commander of Fishburne High School, whose team placed third, said he couldn't be more proud.
"I think it's amazing that we can have so many young adults out here participating in something that's challenging not only to themselves but as a team as a whole," Gilroy said.
Female cadets, like co-captain of Dinwiddie High School JROTC program Victoria Mohr, also proved their strength and determination, competing alongside their male counterparts.
"Being a part of a mixed team like our school is, you have to keep up with the males. You have to push forward through those requirements," Mohr said. "But it's also very freeing to know that you can keep up with them and that you can continue on and move to the next stage. It's the most amazing feeling."
While only six teams took home trophies, the true victory lies in the skills and memories gained by all participants.
“I know everyone else on my team just takes joy in doing something that pushes you beyond what you think you are capable of," Gilroy said.
Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier co-ed finalists:
- Woodbridge High School - 1st
- Buckingham High School - 2nd
- Prince George High School - 3rd
Raider Challenge Best of Best Qualifier all male finalists:
- Alexandria High School - 1st
- Susie Gibson Science and Technology Center - 2nd
- Fishburne High School - 3rd
