From pushups to navigation and rope bridges, 150 area high school Junior ROTC Cadets got outside their comfort zones and enjoyed Northwestern State’s Army ROTC’s second annual Demon Challenge, Friday, March 1. The cadets from NCHS and 8 other high schools spent a fun day competing in a series of events designed to test their fitness, resiliency, and leadership skills. The day started with cadets completing an orienteering course that took them across the NSU campus. They then went on to test their fitness in a series of timed events such as pushups, sprint, drag, throw and planking. The fitness testing was assisted by six members of Fort Johnson’s A Battery, 5-25 Field Artillery, commanded by Captain Tanisha Bethel who graciously took time out from their duties to help with the events. Shreveport’s Army Recruiting Battalion likewise assisted in making the day a success.

After a superb BBQ lunch supplied by NSU ROTC, the high school cadets competed in a two mile ruck march where they raced in two person teams carrying packs with 20lb weights. The teams ended their day on a high note, sampling the Demon Regiment’s ropes course. The Demon Challenge was a superb opportunity for our area’s young people to test themselves, learn, and grow.

Both Northwestern State University and the university’s Army ROTC program represent a tremendous opportunity for our area’s young people to build a solid future for themselves. The Natchitoches Parish Journal commends all of the high school students who came out, the NSU cadets, college students themselves not much older than the high school students, and the young soldiers, NCOs and officers who helped make the Demon Challenge a well-run and fun event. Our nation’s young people are capable of so much more than they get credit for. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to seeing some of those superb young people building their future at NSU after they finish high school. Fork ‘em Demons!