The Canisius College Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Ranger Challenge Team traveled to Fort Dix, NJ recently to compete in the annual Ranger Challenge competition. The team finished 10th overall out of 44 teams from universities across the northeast United States.
Ranger Challenge is considered the varsity sport of Army ROTC. Participation in Ranger Challenge offers cadets an opportunity to learn and practice skills beyond those instructed in class and during labs. The focus of training is on light infantry tactics, common soldier skills such as land navigation, as well as physical strength and endurance. Selection for and participation in the Ranger Challenge requires dedication. The team holds additional physical and skills training during the week in addition to regularly scheduled classes and labs. Training then culminates in the Ranger Challenge competition held each fall.
The competition consisted of eight events including a fitness test, hand grenade assault course, obstacle course, one rope bridge, tactical combat casualty care simulation, land navigation, a combined relay event and an eight-mile foot march. The events this year required a combination of physical stamina, teamwork, problem-solving and creativity to be competitive.
This year’s team from Canisius’ Golden Griffin Battalion consisted of 12 cadets representing Canisius College and SUNY University at Buffalo. The Canisius representatives were Michael Solak ’18, accounting major and team captain; Jared Browne ’20, political science major; Daniel Emerson ’18, international relations major and Patrick Rosati ’20, physical education sports studies major.
The team also included University at Buffalo students team co-captain Bryan Sommerville ’20, Ian Brown ’22, Zach Langdon ’21, Keira DiNuzzo ’20, Don Diego Florencio ’20, Gabrielle Falletta ’19, Nick Rave ’21 and Tiffany Liew ’22.
Army ROTC is open to all students and does not require a military commitment. For more information visit the ROTC website.
Submitted by: Candice M. Freyburger, captain, Military Science/Army ROTC
