http://www.chesapeake.net/patpress/news197.html

NJROTC members prepare for their meet by building teamwork.

by Brianne Warner Online Editor

The Naval Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (NJROTC) attended their first meet of 1997, the Princess Anne Winter Invitational at Little Creek Amphibious Base in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 18. Although scores have not been received as of deadline, no trophies (given to the top three finishers) were brought home this year, despite the team's tradition of winning at such events.

Approximately 20 schools participated the competition. Both the color guard and drill team were judged Drill team involves five categories: standard with and without arms; exhibition with and without arms; and inspection.

Nineteen cadets from Northern participated in the drill team. Seniors Brian Baugess and Jerry Tavenner, Junior Lonnie Taylor, and Junior Chuck Crismond also competed as Northern's color guard team.

This has been a rebuilding year for NJROTC after capturing a national championship and numerous meets in previous years. Last year's Seniors have been replaced by incoming underclassman requiring intensive training.

Color Guard Commander Senior Jerry Tavenner explained, "There's a great deal of inexperience on the team. The new members are putting forth a great deal of effort to learn and comprehend the maneuvers performed in the area of drill."

Drill Team Commander Senior Brian Baugess agreed, noting, "(This year is) most different. I had to rebuild my team. They're doing better than I had expected by this point."

NJROTC will next compete at Gaithersburg in February. With practices every morning from 6:45-7:15 a.m. and afternoon from 2:40-4:00 p.m., the team is working hard to improve. Baugess stated, "(We'll) hopefully place in the top three."