K-State Army ROTC competes at Bataan Memorial Death March

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Source: George Belin, 785-532-6754, gbelin@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Brian Knight is a graduate of Olathe South High School.
News release prepared by: Shelby Haag, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Friday, April 13, 2007

K-STATE ARMY ROTC COMPETES AT BATAAN MEMORIAL DEATH MARCH

MANHATTAN -- Army ROTC cadets from Kansas State University took first place in one category of the Bataan Memorial Death March, a marathon challenge at the White Sands Missile Range near Las Cruces, N.M.

The annual competition started in 1989 and honors the service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II. The marathon symbolizes their historic march with a 26.2-mile course through desert terrain.

Fifteen K-State cadets took part in the competition, which was conducted during spring break. Competition includes other ROTC cadets and active duty soldiers.

K-State had three Army ROTC teams compete in the march in the categories of military heavy -- military uniform with a 30-pound backpack; male military light; and co-ed military light. K-State cadets on the male military light team placed first in their category.

"It was an absolutely grueling event and the K-State Wildcats were incredible," said Lt. Col. George Belin, head of K-State's department of military science. "These are really incredible young men and women. I am so blessed to work with them here at K-State."

"K-State Army ROTC is undoubtedly the best," said Steve White, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "We are proud to have the Army ROTC program within the college."

Cadets participating in the march and their team included:

Benjamin Wilson, sophomore in sociology, Abilene, military heavy; Chance Moyer, junior in history, Chanute, co-ed military light; Gary Kohlasch, senior in political science, Hays, military heavy; Adam Zerr, senior in management, Junction City, male military light; Jerad Linder, senior in history, co-ed military light team captain, and Michael Weilbacher, fifth-year senior in architectural engineering, male military light team captain, both of Leavenworth.

From Manhattan: Brian Knight, senior in civil engineering, military heavy; Jacy Schmidt, freshman in economics, military heavy; and Jonathan Spikes, graduate student in curriculum and instruction, male military light.

Lora Marietta, sophomore in dietetics, Oberlin, co-ed military light; Jonathan McCully, senior in biochemistry, Overland Park, male military light; Matthew Cavanaugh, freshman in business administration pre-professional, Topeka, male military light; Logan Foster, freshman in sociology, Valley Center, co-ed military light; and Eric Cook, sophomore in history, White City, co-ed military light.

From out-of-state: Alexander Balk, senior in civil engineering, North Bethesda, Md., military heavy team captain.