Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit Rutgers University Places Third at 60th-Annual Villanova University Military Excellence Competition
Photo: (April 6, 2019) Midshipmen pose for a group photo after the conclusion of the 60th-annual Villanova University Military Excellence Competition in Villanova, Pa.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Release Date: 4/6/2019 9:00 p.m.
VILLANOVA, Pa. – On April 6, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit Rutgers University returned to Villanova University to defend its 2018 first-overall trophy and participate in the 60th-annual Villanova University Military Excellence Competition (MEC) at the Jake Nevin Field House in Villanova, Pa.
Hosted by NROTC Unit Villanova University, the annual MEC is one of the largest on the east coast and hosts a plethora of ROTC units in competition such as close-order drill and physical fitness events.
NROTC Rutgers/Princeton competed in every single event at the MEC – a feat no other school could boast – and placed within the top three in many high-profile events such as the platoon drill and color guard evolutions.
A high point of the day came early for the Princeton drill squad, which placed second-overall and was only bested by the first-place Rutgers drill squad.
The midshipmen of NROTC Rutgers/Princeton also competed and placed competitively in various physical events such as the corpsman challenge, several short track races and relays, individual and group swimming competitions, and a five-kilometer run.
At the end of a long day, the hard work paid off for the unit as NROTC Rutgers/Princeton placed third-overall at the MEC behind NROTC Units Penn State University and the U.S. Naval Academy, who took home first and second place, respectively.
Though the battalion did not bring home the first-place trophy to New Brunswick, Midshipman Battalion Commanding Officer John Van Kleeff was extremely pleased with the professionalism displayed by his peers.
“I am extraordinarily proud of the battalion for their overall effort during the 60th-annual Villanova MEC,” Van Kleeff said. “The battalion worked endless hours in preparation for this event and was able to take third place overall. Given the strength in competition, this was a great achievement, as NROTC Rutgers/Princeton has a lot to be proud of.”
About NROTC Unit Rutgers University
NROTC Unit Rutgers University was established in 2012 and recognized Princeton University as a cross-town affiliate in 2014.
For more information about the NROTC program, please visit the official NROTC portal at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/.
For more information about NROTC Unit Rutgers University, please visit the unit website at https://nrotc.rutgers.edu.
Media seeking additional information should email NROTC Unit Rutgers University Public Affairs at kevin.p.stapleton@usmc.mil.
###
