The University of Alabama Army ROTC Ranger Challenge team began its Ranger Challenge season with a runner-up finish in the annual state competition Oct. 27.
UA, which won both the state and regional (Brigade) challenges and reached the finals at the United States Military Academy last season, hosted the 10-team challenge Oct. 26 and 27 at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham.
The UA team won the fitness test, written exam and weapons assembly events.
“The University of Alabama Ranger Challenge Team performed exceptionally well,” said Lt. Col. Antwan Brown, UA Army ROTC department chair.
“In addition to winning three events, the UA team exceeded the maximum in the physical fitness score by 16 points,” Brown said. “The UA Ranger Challenge Team is truly one of the best in the Southeastern United States.”
UA will compete in the Brigade Ranger Challenge, a regional competition among the winners from five Southern states and Puerto Rico, Jan. 19-21, 2018, at Camp Blanding, Florida. Auburn University-Montgomery, which won the state competition last week, will also compete in the Brigade Ranger Challenge.
The Ranger Challenge includes several Army-related events that test fitness and field knowledge:
- Fitness test (push-ups, sit-ups and two-mile run)
- Zodiac Boat course
- Weapons assembly
- One-rope bridge
- Written Exam on Patrolling in the U.S. Army
- 15 miles of “ruck” marching between the events
The UA Ranger Challenge cadets are Emily Maier-Costanza, Walnut Creek, California; Charlton Epperson, Charlotte, North Carolina; David Edwards, Glen Allen, Virginia; Conner Salisbury, Lorton, Virginia; Garrett Preston, Jacksonville; Jordan Pieczynski, Pickerington, Ohio; Terry Hancock, Kissimmee, Florida; Bailey Connor, Sumter, South Carolina; Mike Boster, Piperton, Tennessee; Joey Riggs, Vinemont; and Andy Harper, Katy, Texas.
If UA wins the Brigade Championship in January, the cadets will vie in the Ranger Challenge Sandhurst Competition, the national championship at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. A team representing a university from each of the eight brigades will compete against international teams and those from West Point.