Pershing rifles group wins their fourth national title

Over spring break some students went on vacation, some visited family and some just spent time relaxing. For UT’s Pershing Rifles troop, it was the most important week of the year.

Troop L-1 brought home the gold by placing first overall at the 2016 National Conference from April 10-12 in Washington, D.C. for the fourth consecutive year.

The Pershing Rifles group is a competitive group that performs drills and routines, with a focus on building discipline and a sense of camaraderie among the participants.

About twenty students competed in multiple events, earning three first-place trophies, one second place and one third-place trophy, as well as taking overall first place of the conference, allowing them to keep their title of Varsity Rifles.

“I felt like I had achieved something that was greater than myself,” said Christian Valentine, a competitor since this January. The satisfaction of victory is a shared emotion that connects the newer members with older ones who have experienced multiple NatCons.

Jason Trujillo and Michael Gonyea both joined the group in fall of 2012, and have competed in each of the past four conferences.

“Being the fourth time — it was scary. People know who we are and everyone had seen us take home the trophy three times, which made us that much more nervous,” Trujillo said.

According to Trujillo, being a rifleman is not a light commitment. Drill practices can be lengthy and physically challenging.

“We practice at least three times a week for about two to three hours, sometimes up to four or even five,” Trujillo said. PR also performs for events like ROCKEThon, UT’s Military Ball and different commencement ceremonies.

The troop was founded in 1951, but the national organization was created in 1894. Their goal is to help pass along the ideas and traditions of the US military. Drill, leadership, service and camaraderie are the four cornerstones of PR. Although it was militaristically based, PR is not exclusive to students in ROTC. Civilians are also able to join the troop, allowing them to gain the experience of participating in a military-based group without having to be part of the military itself.

A typical drill is a highly organized, energetic affair. The members of the troop march in elaborate, organized formations while spinning and throwing rifles into the air, and tossing them in high arcs for each other to catch. Since PR was originally founded as a military organization, uniforms are worn during drill and ceremony. Troop L-1 wear berets, dark jackets, blue pants and black boots, and a membership cord on the left shoulder.

Despite the years of victory, the riflemen don’t take anything for granted. Gonyea said even after four years of national victory, the members are determined to not to let it get to their heads.

“Our alumni are constantly challenging us to one-up ourselves,” Gonyea said. “I just hope to come back in 30 years and still see the brothers as close as they are today, no matter if we still win.”

Dakota Walters, the current warden and new member trainer, said, “At the end of the day, you could take away the trophies and I’d still do this.”

Walters, Trujillo, Gonyea and Valentine said they all shared one thing: a deep sense of appreciation for the brotherhood and friendship fostered by PR, a sentiment echoed by many of their fellow rifleman.

“I have earned a sense of discipline. They taught me that you need to be a leader; you don’t let others lead you,” Trujillo said.

There are numerous opportunities for leadership experience within the brotherhood. Members are mutually supportive and respectful throughout their practices and the competitive season.

Elia Herrera, the troop’s treasurer, said, “You gain a certain trust and respect from your own brothers.”

She has only been a part of PR since October of 2015, but already holds a position with responsibility.

The troop plans on expanding their time practicing to the coming fall semester instead of just focusing on spring in order to prepare for next year’s NatCon.

“We can’t assume that it’s ours, because it’s not. But I think a fifth year is definitely in sight,” Gonyea said.