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The Greenville High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Drill Team, the Tiger Battalion, had their most outstanding competition performance in the school’s history at the Stanhope Elmore High School Drill Meet in Wetumpka on Sept. 30. The Tiger Battalion earned first place Overall, seven first place individual event trophies, one second place trophy and three individual team member placements.  

Colonel Alan Hester of the Tiger Battalion said he is very proud of the team and how they persevered in victory. 

“The drill team, color guard and fitness team all had a great day, but that is not to say it was easy,” Hester said. “We battled heat, exhaustion and some emotions, but persevered and came through with flying colors.”

Out of 12 High School JROTC teams throughout central and south Alabama, the Tiger Battalion were awarded first place Overall, first place Armed Regulation, first place Armed Inspection, first place Unarmed Regulation, first place Unarmed Inspection, first place Armed Color Guard, first place Unarmed Color Guard and second place Armed Exhibition. 

In addition the team had three individual placements with Cadet Lacie Durant who won first place Academic Individual, Rylee Harrison who earned second place Physical Fitness Individual and Kendall Bowen who placed third in the Individual Drill. 

Tiger Battalion Commander Mya Robinson said it took hard work and dedication to accomplish this triumph. 

“It definitely feels great to win that many trophies in one drill meet,” Robinson said. “I would say I’m proud of all of us. It took a lot of hard work and dedication and I’m so happy how everything turned out. I hope for our next drill meet to be similar to our last.”

According to records, the Stanhope Drill Meet constitutes the most first place drill trophies at a single meet that the Tiger Battalion has ever earned in its history, since its founding in 1969. Hester said it is certainly the most impressive performance he has seen in his nine years as Senior Army Instructor.

Color Guard Commander Harper Watson said she is excited for what is to come for the team in the future. 

“It feels good, especially knowing how hard we work to do what we do,” Watson said. “For the Tiger Battalion to have this accomplishment, especially as a senior, it’s bittersweet. I’m excited for what’s next and I know we will do great things in the future.”

Next up for the Tiger Battalion is the Rocket City Drill Invitational held in Huntsville on Nov. 4.