Missouri Military Academy Fusileer Drill Team traveled to Ozark on Dec. 5 for the JROTC Tiger Drill Classic. Eight high schools competed in drill events throughout the morning. These events consisted of armed and unarmed regulation and exhibition drill.

Missouri Military Academy, led by cadet Lt. Bowen, cadet Lt. Belko, cadet Lt. Afane and cadet Sgt. Machary-Pagan trained very hard since August, sometimes three times a day for this event. Saturday, all the hard work paid off drill coach and former cadet of Missouri Military Academy, Rick Dehlinger said.

“This was a proud Drill Dad moment ,” said Dehlinger. “All of the cadets worked very hard to achieve this victory and although we have some room for improvement, we knocked the ball out of the park on the first competition of the year and it feels great.”

Here’s how the team fared: first place overall, first place new cadet armed regulation, first place unarmed platoon regulation, first place new cadet unarmed regulation, first place unarmed color guard, second place armed regulation, second place armed exhibition, third place armed color guard, and third place, armed exhibition solo: Cadet Yu-Jen Tong.

Cadet Tong, a first year drill cadet joined the team last year and never competed with the team. His determination and dedication over the summer propelled him to the top of our roster with his drill exhibition moves.

Cadets from other schools watched cadet Tong perform his routine and were amazed at his tricks and the difficulty level he was executing.

“Cadet Tong has a bright future at solo exhibition and should be commended on his dedication,” added Dehlinger.