At Fort Devens, Massachusetts, the Siena College Army ROTC program placed second out of twenty schools in the annual ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition. The team from the Rochester Institute of Technology was crowned as this year’s champion. Siena College ROTC Rangers actually led the competition going into Sunday’s last event, the Army Physical Fitness Test, but was edged out by RIT in the closing moments.
Ranger Challenge is a nine event competition conducted over 26 continuous hours. These events are Day Land Navigation Course, Night Land Navigation Course, Written Land Navigation Exam, Weapons Assembly Proficiency, Rifle Marksmanship, Assault Course, Leadership Reaction Course, Obstacle Course and the Army Physical Fitness Test. This is Army ROTC’s “varsity sport”. In addition to the Second Place finish, Siena College won first place in four of these individual events. These were Day Land Navigation Course, Night Land Navigation Course, Written Land Navigation Exam and Weapons Assembly Proficiency.
The team consisted of ten members. Two are full time Siena students and the remainder are cross enrolled students from Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute (2), Union College (2) and the University at Albany (4). They are coached by two full time Siena faculty members.
Though finishing behind RIT, Siena placed ahead of Boston University, Canisius College, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Niagara University, Northeastern University, Norwich University, Providence College, SUNY-Brockport, Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, University of Vermont and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
The team’s accomplishments on the field of competition are truly commendable, but as someone who witnessed the event, the truly notable accomplishment was in the manner the team conducted itself. Throughout the two month train-up and actual execution, each member of the team exhibited tremendous commitment, character, confidence and leadership abilities – all with a deep sense of humility. Their conduct throughout the competition reflected great credit on this program and College. Upon being notified that they had finished second place, members of the team, without prompting or encouragement, went over to the RIT squad and embraced each member of the team in genuine congratulations.
Though finishing behind RIT, Siena placed ahead of Boston University, Canisius College, Clarkson University, Cornell University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Niagara University, Northeastern University, Norwich University, Providence College, SUNY-Brockport, Syracuse University, University of Connecticut, University of Maine, University of Massachusetts, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, University of Vermont and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
The team’s accomplishments on the field of competition are truly commendable, but as someone who witnessed the event, the truly notable accomplishment was in the manner the team conducted itself. Throughout the two month train-up and actual execution, each member of the team exhibited tremendous commitment, character, confidence and leadership abilities – all with a deep sense of humility. Their conduct throughout the competition reflected great credit on this program and College. Upon being notified that they had finished second place, members of the team, without prompting or encouragement, went over to the RIT squad and embraced each member of the team in genuine congratulations.
Information from LTC Andy Morgado
Siena College, Professor of Military Science
Siena College, Professor of Military Science
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