UNM Branch Campus Los Alamos sample logo

The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE



Media Contact: Carolyn Gonzales 277-5920
cgonzal@unm.edu

Oct. 25, 2007

UNM Army ROTC Finishes a Close Second in Annual Competition

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Sevigny reports that the UNM Army ROTC Male Team tied for first in the annual 12th Brigade ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition held recently in at Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Texas. 

The team competed against 19 schools from Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.The competition weekend kicked off on Friday with the Army physical fitness test – push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. Later the teams took a written test on Army tactics and first aid techniques.

Saturday morning began before sunrise with a 10-kilometer march carrying a 30-pound pack. The day also included competition in weapons’ disassembly and assembly, an obstacle course, a hand grenade assault course and land navigation, with land navigation being conducted during the day and at night. The teams had to navigate the woods with only a map and compass.

At the end, the UNM male Ranger Challenge Team was tied with Texas A&M – College Station for first place. The tie breaking rules resulted in an overall second place finish for the UNM male team.

“In Army ROTC’s short four-year existence at UNM it has earned second place three of the four years. Each year the team to beat was Texas A&M. Tying for first place in this year’s competition was a tremendous accomplishment,” Sevigny said.

The annual Ranger Challenge competition is considered the varsity event for Army ROTC.

“With all six members of this year’s male team moving into their senior year, they will not be eligible to compete in next year’s competition. The co-ed team is looking to the future and plans to dramatically improve its standing in next year’s Ranger Challenge,” Sevigny said.

###


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu