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Friday, January 31, 2025

ROTC Wants to Know if You are a Super Solider

The Longwood University Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) will hold the first annual Super Soldier event this Thursday, March 1 on Iller Field. The event, co-organized by Longwood's Strength and Conditioning Department, will highlight what it takes to be a super solider through various activities.

The event, which will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., is open to all students, faculty and staff. The fee to enter is $3, with proceeds going toward ROTC's military ball. Participants can register at Dorrill Dining Hall, the Health and Fitness Center or on the day of the actual event.

Cameron Brengelman, sophomore cadet, said the idea came about last semester. He said, "I was trying to think of a way we could show the campus what we do in ROTC." He said he talked to one of his friends, exercise science major Ben Smith, who helped create a fitness-centered program.

Once the idea grew, Brengelman presented it to Major Stephan Ruppel-Lee and the senior cadets, who all liked the idea.

The fitness aspect incorporates what physical training (PT) is like for the cadets who go through it three times a week. Each day of PT is different. One day is centered around cardiovascular activities, the next focuses on upper body strength and the last is about running.

Participants can do any event they wish, but to earn the title of Super Solider, they must complete all the events. T-shirts are available and can be purchased for $8 now or $10 the day of the event.

Brengelman described the day as a normal PT test, including pushups, sit-ups and a one-mile run around Brock Commons.

Also incorporated will be burpees, a tire flip and pull-ups. A bench press competition will also take place. Brengelman said next year, they hope to coordinate the competition around Wounded Warrior Weekend.

"Not only are we trying to raise money and show people what we do, we are also trying to promote knowledge [and] leadership and physical fitness," said Brengelman. "That's what we live and breathe everyday."

Brengelman said he hopes everyone will come out, have fun and stay fit.