Madison’s JROTC cadets challenged in Rocket City Rivalry Day

MADISON – No doubt that bragging rights were at stake, but achieving personal bests was also on the line when the Bob Jones Air Force Junior ROTC or AFJROTC and James Clemens Army Junior ROTC or AJROTC engaged in exercises at the Rocket City Rivalry Day.

Cadet Major Xin Lin from James Clemens hosted the second annual Rocket City Rivalry Day on April 19. Lin serves as the Battalion Executive Officer of James Clemens JROTC Jet Battalion, and currently she is Alabama JROTC State President.

“At the Rocket City Rivalry Day, rival Madison City Schools’ JROTC programs at Bob Jones and James Clemens came together to compete in a series of sports events and drill to determine who is ultimately the best JROTC program in Madison City,” Lin said.

“Over 100 cadets participated, and, with a close call for two years in a row, Bob Jones pulled through winning two for two,” Lin said. The winning unit can keep a perpetual belt that signifies their status.

“This event is one of the ways the two JROTC units engage in friendly rivalry, befitting of the history-long, county-wide rivalry,” Lin said. “The Army National Guard provided us games, such as a gladiator pit, rock-climbing wall and football toss.”

The JROTC units competed in a four-by-one race, flag football, dodgeball, track relays, obstacle course and tug of war.

“In addition, the cadets had a rivaling fundraiser for Chick-fil-A milkshakes to raise money for both units in program funds,” Lin said.

All cadets showed great sportsmanship and determination throughout the competition. Cadets cheered and encouraged each other, truly embodying the spirit of the event.

“Both JROTC units will continue to host Rocket City Rivalry Day for years to come,” Lin said.

At James Clemens, ret. Major Rezell Linen and ret. Sergeant Major Samuel D. McCray instruct students who have enrolled in AJROTC.

Bob Jones’ AFJROTC instructors are ret. Chief Master Sergeant Ellis Clark and ret. Dr. Major Melissa M. Lacey.