Bronco Battalion fares well in Ranger Challenge
Nov. 19, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Members of Western Michigan University's Bronco Battalion challenged the elements and a host of other Midwestern cadets during the U.S. Army's 2001 Ranger Challenge Oct. 26-28 at Camp Attebury, Ind.
Two WMU teams faced off in below-freezing temperatures against 19 other bands of ROTC students from universities around the Midwest region. The University's "B Team" placed third in the five-person team competition and the "A Team" finished eighth in the nine-person team competition. Challenge events included a 10-kilometer road march, a one-rope bridge crossing, M-16 marksmanship, a hand grenade competition and land navigation. Led by senior Kathryn Pinter, the "B Team" captured the challenge's physical fitness title and won the rope bridge competition.
"The Ranger Challenge is grueling test of military skills that combines teamwork, physical and mental toughness, and fortitude," says Maj. Tim Russell, scholarship and enrollment officer for WMU's ROTC program. "Both teams performed exceptionally well, giving 100 percent and then some. They represented the University with true Bronco pride."
Part of the Haworth College of Business, WMU's Military Science Program is a leadership training curriculum through which students can qualify for the Reserve Officers Training Corps. An elective academic minor, the program stresses leadership and military skills training that prepares students for graduate school, corporate life or commissions as second lieutenants in the active Army, Army Reserves or Army National Guard. ROTC programs train 70 percent of the officers in today's Army.
The following WMU students participated in the Army's 2001 Ranger Challenge.
Aaron Alderman of Lawrence was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 2000 graduate of Greenville (Mich.) Senior High School, Alderman is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science.
Ryan Gregory Briggs of Dexter, Mich., was co-captain of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1998 graduate of Dexter High School, Briggs is a senior majoring in criminal justice.
Davitt R. Broderick of Battle Creek, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 2000 graduate of Battle Creek Central High school, he is a sophomore majoring in graphics and design engineering.
Arthur G. Brong Jr. of Boyne City, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1999 graduate of Boyne City High School, Brong is a junior majoring in English. He is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Parker Fleming of Columbus, Ind., was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 2001 graduate of Columbus North Senior High School, Fleming is a freshman majoring in music and a member of the Lee Honors College.
Benjamin E. Hormann of Byron, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 2000 graduate of Byron High School, he is a sophomore majoring in engineering.
Alixandra I. Hyslop of Brighton, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 1999 graduate of Howell High School, she is a junior majoring in recreation science.
Brian M. Mandock of Burton, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1999 graduate of Bentley High School, he is a junior majoring in psychology.
Clarence J. Matthews II of Ft. Drum, N.Y., was co-captain of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1998 graduate of Augsburg American High School, he is a senior majoring in international and comparative politics.
Jonathan Mulder of South Holland, Ill., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 2000 graduate of Thornwood High School, he is a sophomore majoring in aviation flight science and a member of the Lee Honors College.
Alexander D. Nichols of Johannesburg, Mich., was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A graduate of Johannesburg-Lewiston High School, Nichols is a freshman majoring in physical education.
Kathryn A. Pinter of Litchfield, Mich., was captain of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 1998 graduate of Litchfield High School, she is senior majoring in math and a member of the Lee Honors College.
James R. Peoples of Canton, Mich., was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A graduate of Salem High School, Peoples is freshman majoring in computer science.
Nicholas Potter of Hudsonville, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 2001 graduate of Hudsonville High School, he is a freshman majoring in exercise science.
Benjamin Raymond of Coldwater, Mich., was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." He is a freshman majoring in aeronautical engineering.
Aaron T. Render of Brighton, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1999 graduate of Brighton High School, he is a junior majoring in criminal justice.
Kelly Lynn Thompson of St. Johns, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 2001 graduate of St. Johns High School, Thompson is a freshman majoring in biomedical sciences and a member of the Lee Honors College.
Andrew R. Till of Scotts, Mich., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "A Team." A 1998 graduate of Kalamazoo Christian High School, Till is a senior majoring in secondary education.
Brian D. Zator of Oaklawn, Ill., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "B Team." A 2000 graduate of Marist High School, he is a sophomore majoring in finance.
Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu