More than 75 U.S. Naval ROTC midshipmen and student guests recently went through a rigorous physical training program on the University of Virginia’s Lawn to celebrate the Navy’s 249th birthday and introduce the students to the Naval ROTC program.
The group gathered just before dawn in front of Old Cabell Hall – 42 students who signed up to participate in the ROTC exercise regimen joined 34 midshipmen. After the midshipmen recited “The Sailor’s Creed,” the participants warmed up, broke into two groups and performed a series of calisthenics, including ammo can lifts, jump squats, lunges and mountain climbers, accompanied by music.
After each round of exercises, the midshipmen led their group on a run from the Homer statue to the Rotunda to wish “good morning” to University founder Thomas Jefferson’s statue. After three rounds of exercises, the groups swapped from the upper body group to the lower body group and vice versa, ran the next series, then transitioned to performing a series of cool-down movements.
The student-run event was designed to raise the profile of the Naval ROTC unit on Grounds and encourage students to consider ROTC opportunities.
