The Marmion Academy Flannigan Rifles Drill Team placed first overall in the Armed Division at the 2019 Army Drill Team Championships at the Greater Richmond (Va.) Convention Center March 30. The drill team is under the direction of SGM John Gissel, team commander senior Brant DeMoss of St. Charles, and executive officer senior Nathan Konen of Sugar Grove.
The Aurora school has a tradition of drill team competition success. This year 103 teams from 85 schools gathered in Virginia from 25 states, making it the largest single service drill meet in the history of the JROTC.
First place finishes were earned by DeMoss in the Armed Solo routine; the Armed Exhibition Squad, commanded by DeMoss; and DeMoss and senior Christian Henkel of Batavia in the Armed Duet category. The Flannigan Rifles Color Guard, commanded by senior Henry Cella of Geneva, placed second.
The team will go to Daytona, Fla. to compete at the National High School Drill Team Championships May 3. The NHSDTC remains the oldest, largest, and finest all-service drill and ceremony competition annually assembled.
Marmion Academy photo