Central Washington University's Army ROTC unit put on a solid performance March 3 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in a competition testing cadets in nine different events.

The victory over a cadet team from Gonzaga earned CWU a spot in the ROTC "Super Bowl," next month's prestigious Sandhurst Competition at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. CWU's victory solidified it as one of the best Army ROTC units in the 8th Brigade, which encompasses programs in eight western states and the Pacific Rim.

The daylong event tested cadets' physical fitness, their marksmanship skills with an elevated heart rate (to simulate battle stress) and their ability to build a rope bridge. Cadets also had to utilize their land navigation skills, navigate a 300-pound Zodiac boat loaded with gear and weapons and apply first aid techniques.

"Our cadets trained hard and it showed," said Maj. Jay Cook, the unit's training officer.

While cadets knew what events they would be participating in, they didn't know any of the details or the task condition standards.

"They adapted to every situation and did extremely well," Cook said.

Cadet Sean Flanagan attributed the success of the nine-person team to its ability to stay loose throughout the competition.

 "Once the events started, we showed what we were made of," said Flanagan, a Cle Elum native. "We just mesh together. We have the same personality type; were confident and pretty relaxed. A lot of schools we compete against don't like that."

The cadets put forth their winning effort with CWU President James Gaudino, an Air Force veteran, looking on.

 "It was an incredible group with a whole lot of spirit," he said, adding that the 8th Brigade officers observing the competition commented on the great spirit and camaraderie displayed by CWU's cadets. "Our students really pulled together in a remarkable show of physical strength, problem solving, stamina, and teamwork for more than seven hours - with no rest or lunch breaks."

Several cadets with ties to the South Sound participated in the competition, including Marquis McKiever from Spanaway, Hannah Isaac from Seattle and Anthony Godwin from Eatonville. The team also included cadets Michael Coffman, George Madden, Patrick Stein, Josh Agard, Brianna Bofinger, Grant Skallerud, Alex Lograsso and Logan Johnson.

CWU now advances to the Sandhurst Competition, which is considered by some cadets to be the Super Bowl of ROTC. The 46th annual event will be held April 20 and 21 at West Point.