JROTC represented Thomas Jefferson at the annual drill meet and was able to break a trend since the 1970’s.
JRTOC members pose with their newly won trophy. Photo by Becca Hansen
On March 10, 2012, TJ’s JROTC showed off its drill routine at Manual High School, earning them third place. The Annual Restricted JROTC Drill Meet is where ten other high schools plus TJ come together to compete and show off rigorous routines. At this meet, the team was able to break a record since 1970. “This was the first time since the 70’s that we came in third. Usually South High School and Lincoln High School beat us, but this time we actually beat Lincoln,” JROTC Instructor Brain Wyatt said proudly.
So what is JROTC? This acronym stands for Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and it is filled with classes students can take all four years. Some may be confused and think that this is a military recruiting class; however, it is really a citizenship and leadership class.
One of the classes offered during eighth hour is drill. During that period, the Drill Team, made up of 15 students, practices its routines, which includes marching steps while holding rifles, which weigh a good amount. The whole team has to be in sync throughout the entire performance; if one person is off, the team loses points. To complicate things even more, the team is twirling, spinning, and tossing the weapons. When the gun tricks are being performed, they have to be in sync as well, or points are taken away. “Everything has to be perfect; if one person isn’t holding the gun at the right angle, you lose points. Military officials judge these competitions, so they know exactly what to look for,” said Wyatt.
JROTC member Martin Gonzales poses with his trophy. Photo by Becca Hansen
At the competition on the 10th, the drill team wasn’t the only Spartan team performing. During eighth hour, there are two other options students can choose; Color Guard or Honor Platoon. Color Guard involves steps and marching just like the drill, but instead of guns cadets present the colors. The Honor Platoon resembles something much like a step team; it is more dance than the other two. Just like the Drill, the Color Guard and Honor Platoon are being checked for precision.JROTC member Martin Gonzalez poses with his trophy. Photo by Becca Hansen
This year, the Color Guard took fourth place at the meet. A member of the Color Guard was also recognized and took home first place for TJ. Martin Gonzales took the win and this is only his first year being part of the Color Guard. “It was awesome that he took first and he just started; we are very proud,” Wyatt says.
Wyatt and the Drill Team are looking at new steps and moves to add to their routines to keep improving them. The next meet is right around the corner on April 14, 2012. The Rocky Mountain Regional Drill Meet is TJ’s next chance to show all the other teams what they are made of. With the next meet in sight, the team practices every day during eighth period and four times per week after school. “We did really good last time so I have high hopes for this next meet, hopefully we can bring home some more trophies,” said Wyatt.
