OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY - On April 18, 24 Smithfield JROTC cadets were invited by the Army ODU ROTC Department to conduct a Rappel Lab along with three other high schools from the surrounding area. Before cadets proceeded to the top of ODU’s Ballard Football Stadium to rappel, they received ground safety training from ODU’s Army ROTC Cadre. The cadets were taught to create their rope and snaplink harnesses, signal when the lanes were clear, and rappel. After ascending to the top of the stadium, cadets rappelled 50 feet down the side of the stadium and then assisted the next cadet as their belay, or safety.
Jackson Young, a third-semester cadet, said, “The tower is a great way to face my fears and show courage. It’s scary at the start, but once you get going it’s not so bad.” Alpha Company Commander Gianna Garrett said, “I felt proud of all of my cadets for overcoming their fears; based on their smiles, I could tell they were having a great time.”
Written by Packer BN Public Affairs Officer Kadence DiStefano