PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps armed drill team successfully defended its regional title, but the unit fell short of placing overall at the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference Championship on Saturday.

Roughrider Company’s armed drill team — 21 cadets who compete in regulation and exhibition style close order drill — took first place in tight competition with other top units at the regional competition in Spanaway.

The two four-member color guard units took fifth and sixth place in their divisions, said Capt. Jonathan Picker, senior naval science instructor for the unit.

“Our cadets did a tremendous job this weekend, and I’m so proud of their efforts. Their dedication and determination throughout the school year has been extraordinary,” Picker said.

Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Cade Levine individually placed third as the armed drill team commander.

Master Chief Jeff Perry coaches the drill team.

The regional competition includes Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps JROTC units from 28 schools from Washington and Oregon.

The Roughrider’s drill team and color guards, along with the air rifle and fitness teams, earned the overall Olympic Division championship earlier this year.

The air rifle and fitness teams did not qualify for the regional competition.

There are more than 120 cadets in Roughrider Company, where students learn military structure, the history of the Navy, leadership and organization skills, and take part in activities such as Coast Guard boat safety training.

There is no military service required for cadets to take part, but students who complete three years of JROTC programs are eligible for a promotion upon enlistment, and college ROTC scholarships and academy appointments are available for eligible cadets from top units.

Cybersecurity option

Cadets also take part in academic competition and the CyberPatriot cybersecurity competition.

They also compile more than 2,000 public service hours each year.

In 2015, the cadets from Roughrider Company earned the overall championship by taking first place in the Armed Drill Team category while Color Guard Team 1 won second place, Color Guard Team 2 won third, the Physical Strength Team tied for second place and four students earned individual honors.

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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.