October 28, 2022
K-State Army ROTC cadets take third place in Ranger Challenge Competition
Seventeen K-State students and Army ROTC cadets competed in the Task Force Leavenworth Ranger Challenge Competition in Camp Dodge, Iowa, on Oct. 14 and 15.
The competition consisted of 12 events that included multiple fitness tests, problem-solving, mountaineering skills, rifle qualification, weapons assembly/disassembly, first aid, tactical skills and extensive movements carrying weight for time.
Twelve weeks of intense training culminated in this competition that is designed to test soldier skills, physical fitness, teamwork, and most importantly, mental resiliency; all traits that prepare these cadets to be future leaders around the world.
"The best part about competing as a team in competitions like this is being able to see the character of your team members, which is only revealed when facing adversity," said Ryan Zipprich, nine-person team captain and sophomore in computer engineering. "Most cadets respond well to the challenges of the competition, building trust and cohesiveness. Competition in and of itself is a joy as it embodies striving for excellence."
The nine-person team consisted of Zipprich; Andrew Underwood, junior in criminology; Shane Smith, freshman in business management; Talyn Propst, freshman in computer science; Landon Weide, freshman in mechanical engineering; Chet Linn, freshman in kinesiology; Sheridan Bredehoeft, sophomore in civil engineering; Omar Romero, freshman in chemical engineering; Shane Duggan, freshman in architectural engineering; and Bricen Thomas, freshman in finance.
The five-person team consisted of Creed Ekerberg, team captain and sophomore in mechanical engineering; Carter Salsbury, freshman in political science; Amelia Rieper, sophomore in animal science; Layla Gonzalez, sophomore in mechanical engineering; Audra Montojo, freshman in architecture; Carson Paul, junior in accounting; and Andrew Frick, freshman in food distribution.
For more information about leadership opportunities with K-State Army ROTC, visit k-state.edu/military-science/ or follow Instagram @kstate_armyrotc.