Riverhead NJROTC Wins First Place in Varsity Division

The Riverhead Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp Drill Team made their hometown proud earlier this month when they came in first place in the varsity division at a regional drill meet.

The Riverhead NJROTC drill team traveled to Bethel High School in Connecticut last Saturday, where 12 schools and approximately 500 cadets from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut competed in a regional drill meet.

The Riverhead NJROTC team took home the honors, winning first place overall in the varsity division and third place in the first year cadet division.

The event was the first drill meet of the year for the Riverhead team, and cadets  competed in a variety of events including armed and unarmed drill platoons, color guard, academics, air rifle events, and a personnel ,nspection. 

"The cadets were nervous, but motivated, and confident in their abilities, as they prepared to perform in their assigned events," said Naval science instructor Lt. Col. Peter McCarthy. "When the results were announced at the awards ceremony it was clear the Riverhead cadets had brought their 'A' game. They performed up to their capabilities when the pressure was on and came home with eight trophies."

Noteworthy performances included: 

Varsity Armed Platoon – First Place, led by Harold Hubbard
Varsity Personnel Inspection – First Place, led by Cody Harris
Varsity Academics – First Place, led by Harold Hubbard
Varsity Unarmed Platoon – Second Place Led by Thomas Kopp 

First Place Overall Varsity Division 

First Year Platoon Drill – First Place, led by Dakota Ventresca
First  Year Personnel Inspection – Third Place, led by Gwendolyn Hilles
Third Place Overall, Firsat Year Cadet Division 

The next Riverhead NJROTC drill meet is scheduled to take place on  Dec. 15 at Mattituck High School.