Oct. 31, 2017
The members of MU’s Naval ROTC Battalion have a tradition of dedicating themselves to whatever challenge is in their path – whether it be volunteering for service projects that benefit the community, or staying in top shape with rigorous physical workouts. That dedication paid off at the 2017 Wisconsin Naval ROTC Fall Invitational.
Competing against seven other universities, both the Color Guard and Drill Platoon (composed primarily of freshmen) took home first place. Both teams put in long hours of preparation for the event, with many early mornings starting at 5 a.m.
The team’s leaders credit this dedication and self-discipline for the victories.
“It took hard work and dedication from everyone,” said John Costigan, Platoon Drill Captain and Midshipman Third Class. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team. Their victory is well deserved.”
Midshipman Third Class Myles Bakewell, Captain of the Color Guard, also praises his group for coming together as a team. “It was a whole squad effort,” he said. “No single person could do their job without depending on the Midshipmen to the left and to the right of them.”
The university’s Naval ROTC unit was established in 1946. Since that time, more than 1,400 Midshipmen have received commissions at Mizzou.
