WARSAW — Politicians aren’t the only ones slinging mud these days. 

Last Friday, Oct. 14, Warsaw Army JROTC Cadets travelled to Matter Park in Marion.  Once there, they met with Cadets from Marion HS Army JROTC program.  The event “Field Day” brought all of these Cadets together for a competitive day that exhibited physical ability and fostered teamwork and leadership.  Warsaw and Marion Army Cadets were mixed together, and they were mixed together by their physical abilities and sex as well.  All 12 teams were equal that day.

There were 12 competitive events that each of the combined 175 cadets participated in throughout the day.

Major Friedrich Josellis is an instructor for Warsaw HS Army JROTC and he coordinated this event with Lieutenant Colonel David Farlow who is an instructor for the Marion HS Army JROTC.  “Our Cadets are pulling together, working together, and having fun together.  Marion and Warsaw Cadets have trained and grown together since the program started in Warsaw 3 years ago,” Major Josellis said. “How many other programs in a HS offer the opportunity to develop friendships with other high schools and the ability to compete, better yourself, and have fun at the same time?”

Among the events, Cadets were most enthusiastic about the mudpit tug-of-war.  Senior Cadet Brianna Blanton noted “It wasn’t about Warsaw or Marion.  It was one big family, getting muddy together.  She also said “It was an event where old friends met, new friendships were made, and everyone came together on this day.” 

Ties between the two Army JROTC programs continue to grow.  Since Marion’s Army JROTC hosted this event in spring of last year and this fall, Warsaw offered to host its own “Field Day” in Spring 2017.  Marion’s Cadets will travel to Warsaw this time. 

Cadets attending this springtime event will be challenged to earn good grades in every course to attend this Warsaw event.  “JROTC strives to make students better citizens.  One of those ways is to support efforts to educate students and keep them interested in school.”