ZACH BIRDSONG TCS Contributor

The Tullahoma High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC co-ed Raider Team recently placed 7th out of 18 teams in the inaugural Tennessee State Raider Championship Series.

The series ran across four competitions in five weeks, opening on Aug. 29 at Rhea County High School, before continuing at Spring Hill on Sept. 12, at East Hamilton on Sept. 19 and wrapping at Warren County High School on Sept. 26.

Events during the Raider Championship test strength, endurance and teamwork, and they include: Building single-rope bridges over water obstacles; Negotiating obstacle courses; Team cross-country runs carrying simulated casualties and gear; Loading, pushing and unloading tactical vehicles for time; Flipping and stacking tires for time, and Calisthenics competitions

“This is the third year that we have fielded a Raider Team here at Tullahoma,” said Team Coach, Major Nathan Chandler, USMC (Ret). “I could not be more proud of these kids. This is an extremely physically challenging sport that focuses on teamwork, cooperation and communication, and the kids have vastly improved over the previous years.

Co-captains Cadet Second Lieutenant Sophie Call and Cadet Sargent Andrew Morgan led the team. In total, the Tullahoma High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC program serves more than 70 cadets and fields four competitive teams.

“From the early mornings to the most challenging missions, our Raider Team has shown outstanding progress,” Call said. “We, as a team, have pushed ourselves to grow stronger together and create many memories that will carry with us for years to come. The miles, sweat, and laughter have all been worth it because we did all of it together.”

“I’m proud of our students and the Marine Corps JROTC program at Tullahoma High School,” added TCS Director of Schools Dr. April Norris. “The MCJROTC program builds leadership, character and discipline to shape our future leaders.”

All photos are courtesy of Tullahoma City Schools.