Blue Ridge Rifles excel in national event

Earlier this year, in anticipation of the Mardi Gras event, the team participated in the Cornell Invitational in Ithaca, New York, under the leadership of retired Lt. Col. Kevin Fowler. The team came home with second in Squad Based, second in Color Guard, and third place in 2-Man Exhibition Drill.

"They performed magnificently," Fowler said. "They were a very cohesive and professionally developed looking team. They performed well against the competition. They obviously would have liked to have taken first place, but they were happy with their performance."

Damian Pratt, drill master, is from Ellijay, Georgia, and has been with the Rifles since his freshman year and was promoted to drill master this semester. He is a senior pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

"I thought the Cornell drill meet went very well, especially since it was our first time competing there," Pratt said. "I am proud of everyone who competed, and it helped to boost morale and make us want to win next year even more."