Central High JROTC drill team makes history with first trip to nationals

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Central High School’s JROTC drill team is making history as it heads to Florida to compete in a national competition for the first time since the program's inception.

This marks the first time the team has qualifies for national-level competition. Lieutenant Colonel David L. Jones said this milestone is historic for the JROTC.

"JROTC was established in St. Joe in 1919. Never before have a single drill team qualify for drill nationals in Daytona Florida," he said. "This year Central JROTC quality eight teams so we're heading down there to represent St. Joseph."

Lt. Col. Jones said that the team has been practicing non stop since September.

"Six days a week, coming in at 5 o'clock in the morning for an hour in half practices. We been practicing since the first weekend in September. With only three Saturdays off over Thanksgiving, one over Christmas and one over spring break," he said.

Lt. Col. Jones said Central High school has great lineage and legacy of drill.

"If it wasn't for the Central alumni, we wouldn't have gotten where we are. I'm deeply grateful for the previous instructor and the Pony Express drill," he said. "All the alumni that has come to support us, teach, train and show everything they know."

The JROTC will be in Florida for eight days, and will return on May 5.