Cadets capture second place in Ranger Challenge
Nov. 21, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Members of Western Michigan University's Bronco Battalion made an impressive showing recently when they captured top rankings at the U.S. Army's 2002 Ranger Challenge at Camp Attenbury, Ind.
Two Western Michigan teams faced off Oct. 18-20 against 20 other teams of ROTC athletes from universities around the Midwest region. The University's "Bravo Team" took second place in the five-person team competition and the "Alpha Team" finished ninth 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.
The "Bravo Team" was led by sophomore Kelly Thompson and senior A.J. Brong, marking the first time a WMU underclassmen has held the top leadership position on a Ranger Challenge team. Thompson, Brong and their teammates captured first place in the Physical Fitness Test, the Small Unit Leadership Exam and the Marksmanship competition.
Led by seniors Brian Mandock and Joe Rozycki, the "Alpha Team" took top honors in the Grenade Assault Course.
"The Ranger Challenge is grueling test of military skills, problem solving and leadership ability," says Maj. Tim Russell, scholarship and enrollment officer for WMU's ROTC program. "Both teams performed exceptionally well, giving 100 percent and then some. I was extremely impressed with our cadets' performance, and to know that we will have future leaders such as these WMU students leading our soldiers makes me proud."
Part of the Haworth College of Business, WMU's Military Science Program is a leadership training curriculum through which qualified students can earn a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve or National Guard upon graduation. An elective academic minor, the program stresses leadership and military skills training that prepares students for officership, graduate school and corporate life. ROTC programs train 70 percent of the officers in today's Army.
Members of the ninth-place "Alpha Team" included: Aaron Alderman, a junior from Lawrence, Mich.; Davitt Broderick, a junior from Battle Creek, Mich.; Daniel Hayes, a junior from Watervliet, Mich.; Johann Hindert, a student at Kalamazoo College enrolled in WMU's ROTC program; Benjamin Hormann, a junior from Byron, Mich.; alternate member Alixandra Hyslop, a senior from Brighton, Mich.; Brian Mandock, a junior from Burton, Mich.; alternate member Adam McClain, a senior from Mendon, Mich.; James Morkert, a junior from Ludington, Mich.; Aaron Render, a senior from Brighton, Mich.; and Joseph Rozycki, a senior from Fremont, Mich.
Members of the second-place "Bravo Team"
Arthur G. Brong Jr., the son of Arthur and Marilyn Brong of Boyne City, Mich., was co-captain of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 1999 graduate of Boyne City High School, Brong is a senior majoring in English. He is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Kellam Carmody, the son of David and Colleen Carmody of Kalamazoo, was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 2002 graduate of Mattawan High School, he is a freshman who has not yet declared a major.
Parker "Travis" Fleming, the son of Don and Lynne Fleming of Columbus, Ind., was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 2001 graduate of Columbus North High School, he is a sophomore member of the Lee Honors College. Fleming has not yet chosen a major.
Robert McGuire, the son of Michael and Marjorie McGuire of Canton, Mich., was an alternate member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 2002 graduate of Plymouth-Canton High School, he is a freshman whose major is pre-aviation flight science.
Joshua H. Shimkus, the son of Kim and Karla Shimkus of Homer, Mich.,was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 2000 graduate of Concord High School, he is a junior majoring in criminal justice and history.
Kelly L. Thompson, the daughter of Fred and Ruth Thompson of St. Johns, Mich., was co-captain of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." A 2001 graduate of St. Johns High School, Thompson is a sophomore majoring in business. She is a member of the Lee Honors College.
Megan Vosburg of Galesburg, Mich., the daughter of Shawn and Terri Vosburg of Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, was a member of WMU's Ranger Challenge "Bravo Team." She is a freshman majoring in criminal justice.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu