Cretin-Derham Hall Cadets Host 34th Annual Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge

On February 6, the Cretin-Derham Hall Raider Brigade proudly hosted the 34th Annual Upper Midwest JROTC Challenge (UMJC), the largest all-services JROTC competition in the Midwest.

Despite reduced attendance from across the region due to ongoing ICE operations in Minnesota, the event remained a major success. Nearly 200 Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps JROTC cadets from seven local and regional programs participated in a full day of competition and camaraderie.

Cadets competed in a wide range of events that tested precision, teamwork, and physical and mental fitness, including Regulation Drill (precision marching), Color Guard, Knowledge Bowl, Physical Fitness, Archery, Air Rifle Marksmanship, and Tug-O-War. See our school Instagram account for a video summary of the day.

What truly set the UMJC apart was its execution. Approximately 30 Cretin-Derham Hall cadets competed in events, while more than 100 additional cadets worked behind the scenes to operate the competition. From registration and ceremonies to judging, scoring, and awards, the entire event was planned, organized, and run by cadets, with instructors providing oversight only.