Air Force cadets thrive at West Point’s Sandhurst competition

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Melissa Waheibi
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFPN) --  Eleven cadets conquered nine field events and maneuvered through about five miles of New York terrain to capture fourth place out of 45 teams at West Point’s annual Sandhurst competition April 24.

“They did awesome!” said Brig. Gen. Johnny A. Weida, academy commandant of cadets. “This is exactly what we’re talking about to instill warrior spirit. These cadets have been dedicated to training for this event for 45 days, and they did awesome!”

The goal of Sandhurst is to increase military excellence in the field. It tests cadets’ ability to move, shoot and communicate while stressing teamwork. These tests included equipment inspection, gas-mask drill, boat movement, marksmanship, grenade throwing, river crossing, wall climbing and rappelling. The final event was a commandant’s challenge, which featured a series of short obstacles testing strength, speed and balance.

“This was definitely rewarding,” said Cadet 2nd Class Erin Heintz. “It was great to work and train closely as a team and also experience how (Soldiers do) things. We had a unique opportunity to work with cadets from the Canadian and British academies, and we learned things not normally taught at (our academy), such as rappelling and a zodiac boat movement.”

Sandhurst began in 1967 when the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst presented West Point with a sword as the prize for a field competition. In recent years, the academy, ROTC, and Canadian and British cadets have traveled to West Point for this competition.

“Our success couldn’t have been achieved without everyone’s participation,” said Cadet 2nd Class Eric Davis. “It was a tough competition, and we are proud of what we accomplished.”

General Weida witnessed every step of the Air Force cadets’ persistence. He was among a group of academy leaders who ran behind the cadets throughout the course.

“I’m thrilled!” said Col. Clada Monteith, 34th Training Group commander, who also followed the cadets. “They gave all they had. They really set a standard here.”

This is the third year academy cadets have taken part in Sandhurst. In the first year, they came in last place, and they jumped up to 19th in 2003.

A resounding “air power” was shouted from Tech. Sgt. Erik Blatnik, noncommissioned officer in charge of Air Force Sandhurst training, when he first heard of their fourth place standing. “I’m incredibly proud of these guys,” he said.

“They really pushed themselves. This is just awesome,” said Tech. Sgt. John Coleman, assistant NCOIC of Sandhurst training.”

The team also included Cadets 1st Class Aaron Zamora, Matt Rottinghaus and Garrett Chandler; Cadets 2nd Class Brent McCall and Craig Neuman; Cadets 3rd Class Giovanna Espegio and Mark Truxillo; and Cadets 4th Class Matt Schlittler and Christopher Leonhardt.