Due to their excellent performance, NJROTC placed fourth overall at their State competition at A&M College Station on Feb. 21 and 22. They competed in the Physical Training, Armed and Unarmed Drill, Colorguard, Academics and Personal Inspection categories. 

Cadets went into the competition feeling pressure to represent their team well. 

“We wanted to win and score as high as we could,” Cadet Petty Officer Third Class freshman Landon Reynolds said. “I felt like I was obligated to win.”

Reynolds competed in the hundred yard relay, push ups and sit ups. He won first place in mens’ push ups.

“I felt determination and happiness,” Reynolds said. “I also thought everyone did their best.”

Cadet Petty Officer Third Class freshman Destiny Zuniga is also proud of her team’s hard work and “how close (they) were to reaching the podium”. Besides placing fourth and Reynolds’ award, two cadets placed individually in Physical Training and the team placed in the Color Guard and Personal Inspection categories. 

“I think my least favorite part about competitions is the inspection since it was very stressful,” Zuniga said. “But I would say my favorite part would be the bus rides, or the free time when all of us got to bond with each other and create those fun memories.”

Both Zuniga and Reynolds are returning to NJROTC next year. Reynolds said his goals for next season are to do 150 push ups and 300 sit ups at State. Zuniga’s goal is to help others on the team have a fun experience.

“I would really like to highlight everyone in Drill because of how welcome they made me feel and all our fun memories,” Zuniga said. “I’m excited to see how my next few years will be with the other Drill members, and how it will be with the new upcoming freshmen. I hope I make them feel as welcome to Drill as I felt.”