On this sunny, cool Saturday at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City, HHS cadets Roger Castro and Leo Elizalde endured a 3+ hour hike in the woods which earned them the right to wear the coveted AFJROTC Orienteering Ribbon. Both cadets braved "attack trees", water hazards, small vermin, and each other to navigate a grueling intermediate-level course.
Despite being the first land navigation competition for both of them, they successfully navigated the course and completed it well within the 4-hour maximum time limit. Although, there appeared to be periods of resting and reflection while they were hiking (see pic)
Several fellow rivals who are decade-long orienteering competitors commented how impressed they were by both Roger and Leo who in their words "performed exceptionally on a particularly tough course." In fact, the second place winner took time after the competition during a chili bowl snack to instruct both of them on how to do better next go-around...in hopes they'll continue this athletic endeavor throughout this season and beyond.
KUDOS TO LEO & ROGER for highlighting the athletic and intellectual ability of our cadet corps at this outdoor event. For those wishing to follow in their footsteps, the next Alabama-hosted orienteering competition is slated for 19 December 2015 at Oak Mountain State Park. If interested in attending, contact Col Paul or MSgt Simmons for details or view info on the local orienteering club's web site
@ http://vulcanorienteering.org. Orienteering is loads of fun, hard work but it pays off with reward of a ribbon and a lifelong memory!!
