The NIU Reserve Officers’ Training Corps obtained their highest standing ever in an annual competition last weekend.

The NIU ROTC competed in the annual Ranger Challenge in Fort McCoy, Wis. against 13 other universities from the Midwest.

All ROTC members participate in eight events, and the team with the highest average wins.

The events include rifle marksmanship, a standard army physical training test, patrolling, grenade-throwing, weapons assembly, orienteering and a 10-kilometer road march.

The NIU team finished second overall, losing only to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

NIU won the physical training test as well as the 10-kilometer road march, a 6.2 mile run while cadets carry all of their equipment. Additionally, NIU scored second place finishes in patrolling and weapons assembly.

“The events are scored by officers who use rules pertaining to time, knowledge and skills,” said NIU ROTC competitor Robert Loxely.

The overall second place finish is the highest ever for an NIU ROTC team, beating last year’s third place finish.

As a result, the team is eligible to compete in the upcoming Regional Ranger Challenge, depending on the outcome of separate local Ranger competitions this weekend.

“The competition educates and enhances the knowledge and skill of a solider, while giving them a taste of the elite forces of the army,” Loxely said.

He said it also gives the cadets the opportunity to experience army life firsthand and get involved with other university chapters of the ROTC.