KU Army ROTC places 3rd, 6th at Northern Warfare Challenge

Fri, 03/01/2024

Lawrence Jenkins

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Army ROTC program sent two teams to participate Feb. 23-24 in the Northern Warfare Challenge in La Crosse, Wisconsin, known as “the hardest race in ROTC.” The KU teams took third and sixth place, respectively, in the 52-team field.

The Northern Warfare Challenge tests five-person teams from across the country on cold-weather warfare tasks in rugged terrain. Day one consists of cold weather operations written testing, knot testing and a fire-making assessment. Day two is a 14.5-mile foot race where competitors wear ruck sacks with additional team gear across the bluffs of Wisconsin. Along the route, teams assess and move simulated casualties to add to the stress of the competition.

In military fatigues holding certificate are Team A members Braxton Camp, Nate Lundgren, David Spenny, Mason Patterson and Delton Larson. — From left, Team A members Braxton Camp, Nate Lundgren, David Spenny, Mason Patterson and Delton Larson.

KU Team A, which took third place overall, was composed of junior Delton Larson, Overland Park; junior Mason Patterson, Shawnee; junior David Spenny, Blaine, Minnesota; sophomore Nate Lundgren, Olathe; freshman Braxton Camp, Andale; and freshman (alternate) Jakob Lord, Oskaloosa.

In fatigues and holding guns outdoors, Team B cadets, from left, Luke Rogers, Elijah Mortensen, Jairub Constable, Alex Rogers and Jaden Murff. — From left, Team B members Luke Rogers, Elijah Mortensen, Jairub Constable, Alex Rogers and Jaden Murff.

KU Team B, which took sixth place overall, was composed of Junior Jairub Constable, Baldwin City; sophomores Alex and Luke Rogers, Shawnee; sophomore Jaden Murff, Overland Park; freshman Elijah Mortensen, Columbus, Georgia; and sophomore (alternate) Dakota Goza, Emporia.

Both KU teams entered day two of the competition in favorable positions, having performed well in all technical tasks. KU Team A locked horns with the U.S. Military Academy and Norwich University (Military Institute), at times taking the lead. At the end of the ruck march, KU Team A came in second place, averaging a 14-minute pace across the 14.5-mile course with 2,000 feet of elevation gained, all while carrying loads of 35 pounds and at numerous points having to drag heavy equipment. KU Team B came in sixth place.