From April 1st to 2nd, 2022, Colts Neck High School’s very own Navy Junior ROTC Academy participated in Navy Nationals at the Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. The Cadets have been preparing for this competition since September, and their diligence proved true after placing 8th in the nation. They are here in school from 6:40 am every day until 3:00 pm, and some even stay later if they participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. With that hard work, dedication, and practice, they put it to the test as they compete with other NJROTC teams across the coast. 

Previous to this year, they were unable to compete because of the pandemic, and if they did compete, it was online—evidently very different from the years before. When the cadets compete, there are a series of events in which they partake, all of them occurring almost consecutively: the academic test, drill (exhibition, armed, color guard, and basic), physical training (push-ups and sit-ups), and UPI (uniform personnel inspection). As tired as they may have felt, they had to keep pushing through and do their best at each event. For instance, the cadets had to do PT outside, and the Florida heat is something they weren’t used to—traveling from the bipolar weather in Jersey—but that didn’t slow them down. In the end, they won first place in athletics—nationally! Our cadets, Ryan Siedenburg, Tyler Russ, and Darren Milman took first, second, and third place for the individual male curl up count. For females, Caileigh Siedenburg took second place. To make things ironic, Ryan and Caileigh are twins—and their oldest brother, Nick, is one of our top-scoring males as well. It must run in the family. Seriously, what are their parents feeding them? For push-ups, Tyler Russ placed second for males with 109 push-ups, and Morgan Spencely placed first for females with 74 push-ups! Iron Man and Iron Woman right there for you. 

This year wasn’t easy for them. In getting back to a regular routine after last year, they encountered and overcame countless obstacles. But, with the help of their amazing instructors, Major Penczak, Master Chief Petty Officer Dunkin, and Chief Petty Officer Diaz, the team was able to see success. Already, they are preparing for next year and are discussing ways to improve. In addition to Nationals being their last competition, this event is bittersweet for the seniors—their last competition ever. As they say goodbye to the seniors, they hope to pass their endowments to the juniors. We wish the seniors the best of luck in college and all they plan to do after graduation.