The Michigan City High School (MCHS) Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) conducted a military skills competition on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at the Elston Building. Nine schools from Indiana and Illinois competed in military drill, academics, physical fitness, marksmanship and personnel inspection.
Michigan City earned awards in seven of the nine drill categories, as well as finishing first in marksmanship and third in the personnel inspection. The competition was judged by midshipmen from the Purdue University Navy/Marine Corps ROTC in West Lafayette.
“Our cadets did well on and off the drill deck,” said Marine Instructor Master Sergeant Jeff Benak. “In addition to drilling well, our cadets also worked hard in ensuring that this complicated event went smoothly.”
Michigan City earned first place finishes in “A” Color Guard and First Year Squad. Those units were commanded by Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Quinton Dixon and Cadet Corporal Pauline Lutton, respectively. The Wolves took second in Armed Platoon, commanded by Cadet Captain Alex Wyman, and third places in Unarmed Platoon, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Squad and Unarmed Squad. Captain Wyman is also the captain of the Marksmanship Team.
“I am proud of the way our cadets performed today, against some pretty good competition,” said Senior Marine Instructor Major Tom McGrath. “We know that there are areas where we can improve, so this is no time to be complacent.”
Michigan City will split its team for its next drill meets on December 13th. The advanced cadets will compete at the Purdue University Meet in West Lafayette and the first year cadets will travel to Indianapolis to participate in the Pike High School first year meet.