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The spring season has returned in full force with the completion of the Spring Break Drillfest in San Antonio, Texas. The first in a series of competitions leading up to the big one in Daytona, Florida, the Drillfest kicked off with 12 competitors vying for the top podium finish. A geographically diverse group attended, with people from New Mexico and cities all over Texas and 4 newcomers to the TXDC circuit.
After all was said and done, the one with the furthest trip took home the top prize, and Noah Calvert stood tall above the rest of the field (pun intended). Gabe Valdez of the newest iteration of the Lone Guard continued his upward trajectory with a strong silver medal finish. His teammate Damian Villarreal kept the momentum going for the team finishing close behind with bronze. The competition began under partly cloudy skies in the low 60s, perfect weather for a fantastic competition in front of the historical VFW Post 76. The weather and location only added to the ambiance of the deck and the flavor of what was to come. Precision, tradition, and intensity were the name of the game and the overarching theme throughout nearly all competitors routines. Live-streams can be found on the Drill Warrior University Facebook page so you can see for yourself.. The encore occurs in only one week, with the first qualifier of the season in Dayton, Ohio. Full coverage on our Facebook page!  USAF Honor Guard Drill Team Performance
The US Army JROTC 7th Brigade competition has come and gone once more. Teams from Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Tennessee converged on Radcliff, Kentucky over the weekend to clash at one of the largest competitions in the country with over 40 teams competing in Drill, Rifle, Academics, and the newer Robotics category. The skill and practice it takes to win even one event across all categories cannot be understated. Since this is DRILL report, that's what we'll stick to. The first day began at North Hardin High School in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The sun had just began to rise as teams poured in to the school's gymnasium and cafeteria to begin the long day's grind to glory. Color Guard, Armed and Unarmed Platoon, and Armed and Unarmed Inspection all kicked off at the same time as the competitors rushed from gym to gym followed by weary-eyed parents and lead by determined seniors. As the beginning hours passed and the first inspections were completed, rumors throughout the complex spread quietly but surely, the Drill Sergeants were from none other than the famed Fort Benning. A new atmosphere emerged near the competition decks as an air of awe, respect, and possibly a little intimidation grew within the platoons. From what one could gather from watching the teams, this only encouraged them to perform like they knew they could. The lunch break rolled around by noon, and the USAF Honor Guard Drill Team took the main floor to deliver one of their world-renowned performances. Having only attended local competitions, this was the first time many cadets would be introduced to the professional drill world, and the standards of military exhibition drill. Only one notable bobble was present in the over-12 minute long routine, the rest executed to as near-perfection as humanly possible. Resounding applause filled the gym as the Drill Team retired from the floor, yet another performance was slated for awards. The continuation of the competition increased the anticipation throughout the grounds. For those who have not attended 7th Brigade before, the scores for every event are posted on TV monitors throughout the cafeteria, but there's a catch. The top 3 placements for each event are starred out, so no one knows who won the event. Seeing your score starred early in the competition only builds the excitement throughout the day as many more scores still must be posted, and any school could be the one that knocks you off podium. The awards ceremony went off without a hitch, the scholarships given to worthy recipients, and the USAFHG Drill Team supplying another exceptional performance to double the crowd. Pulaski County came through as the big winner in the armed division, placing in all 3 events and winning both Armed Color Guard and Armed Inspection. The final results are below. 7th Brigade Day 1 Final Results: Armed Platoon: 1 East Carter HS 2 Springfield HS 3 Pulaski County HS Unarmed Platoon 1 Renaissance HS 2 Central Hardin HS 3 Montgomery Central Armed CG 1 Pulaski County HS 2 West Creek HS 3 Springfield HS Unarmed CG 1 Northwest HS 2 ? 3 West Creek HS Armed Inspection 1 Pulaski County HS 2 Central Hardin HS 3 Lincoln Park HS Unarmed Inspection 1 Central Hardin HS 2 Renaissance HS |
