Representing School and Country
ROTC STUDENT-ATHLETES EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE BY MACI THORNTON ’21M
P
articipating in college athletics requires intense commitment, but playing a college sport as an officer-in-training adds another dimension. ROTC student-athletes represent both their school and their country in the classroom and on the field. They work to achieve peak academic and physical excellence as future officers in the US Military. This commitment to the pursuit of excellence creates a common misconception: cadets cannot successfully navigate academics, athletics, and ROTC. “When I first came here as the department chair, we had zero cadets who were NCAA athletes, and it was really important to me to build our partnerships with athletics,” said Lt. Col. Chris Morton. “Athletes make great Army officers.” Plus, he said, having ROTC student-athletes benefits the university, the Athletic Department, the ROTC program, and the students individually. In fact, Shippensburg University has graduated successful ROTC studentathletes in the past. In 2012, starting football kicker
12
SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
Michael Lloyd set a school record with 80 points by kicking in a single season. Nichole Capozzi earned All-America honors in swimming during the 2010-2011 season and graduated as a second lieutenant in 2012. Shippensburg University currently has the largest group of ROTC student-athletes in school history. Nine members of the Raider Battalion prove participating in college sports and ROTC is not only possible, but beneficial.
Motivation to Participate
Most students interested in both ROTC and playing a college sport anticipate a major level of commitment. The Raider Battalion student-athletes provided insight toward their motivation to join ROTC and compete for SU Athletics.
ROTC forces you to get out of your comfort zone and be comfortable being uncomfortable. That translates into athletics as well. Savannah Mower
