Virtual Model Recharges Drill Competitions

Drill competitions seemed a distant possibility just 11 months ago when students returned to campus with masks stretched across their faces. No competition for the school year seemed all but a foregone conclusion, as the endless logistical and financial complications of participating in competitions left most of the drill world wondering what to do.

Never to be deterred, the VA-091 Yellow Jackets Drill Team Coach, TSgt Tina Laing, began researching options to keep the Drill Team active throughout the year. In October, communication began with other schools in the area who were contemplating the ways to make a 30-Count Drill competition possible virtually. It was at this moment the Drill world went virtual for the first time ever. As Sgt Laing exclaimed, “This didn’t exist before COVID! It was totally new and we had no idea what to expect.”

The competition ended up hosting 168 participating units, a resounding demonstration of how eager other programs were to showcase their talent. Sgt. Laing explained how a 30-Count routine is typically not considered a complete competition, but more of a practice routine. Despite the Count, R-MA’s Yellow Jackets had a very quick turnaround time to practice and prepare for the competition. Ultimately, the Drill team landed in the top 10 by finishing with 4th place! Sgt. Laing shared, “It was a huge win given the short timeline and dedication needed.”

In reflecting on their first virtual Drill competition, she said, “This is how mentorship and life lessons can take place. It’s not about marching in a square. It’s about teamwork, commitment, leadership, and followership. Our motto is ‘Quitting is not an option’ and so we pushed ahead. I was very proud of our results and also really excited that we had a new way to stay active.”

And active they stayed, as two more virtual competitions followed: the UNCC virtual competition, where the Yellow Jackets took 2nd Place out of 13 teams, and the Association of Military Colleges & School of the United States (AMCSUS) Virtual Drill Meet, which again saw the Yellow Jackets claim 2nd Place against military schools all over the country.

Following this string of virtual events, Sgt. Laing was left contemplating a larger perspective of the Drill teams throughout Virginia as well as the world. As the defending Virginia State Drill Team Champions, it was felt that responsibility fell on R-MA’s shoulders to do right by the hard-working cadets across Virginia, who also wanted to prove themselves. Thus, the Randolph-Macon Academy Yellow Jackets Virtual Drill Meet was created at Laing’s direction. The Meet ended up attracting units from Germany, Belgium, California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Arkansas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia.

Overall, the R-MA Drill Team received 2nd place in the overall competition. In reflection of the final competition, Sgt Laing was most impressed with the students’ readiness and ability to help plan and execute the competition. Laing expressed, “It was humbling to see R-MA kids lead something worldwide. When the event was over, many schools and teams came together to say this competition was special in its ability to bring people together and make a lasting change.”

Finally, we are proud to congratulate this year’s VA-091 Cadets of The Year: For the Freshman class - C/A1C Madagan Athey, for the Sophomore class - C/A1C Kathryn Laing, for the Junior class - C/ CMSgt Ethan Park, and for the Senior class - C/Col Sardor Danier.