A new team is starting at FHS. They don't wear shoulder pads and helmets, they don't sport Nikes and spandex, and you won't see them at the state finals. They're out to risk life and limb for the sake of a thrill.
The JROTC has started a high adventure team. Activities will include backpacking in the Jewel Basin, overnight canoe trips, orienteering, winter survival training, white-water rafting, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and rock climbing.
"We mostly do (outdoor activities) for confidence builders," said vice president Jack Denton.
"You get to know the other cadets when you do the outdoor stuff. You get to be good friends. You learn to depend on other people."
"I'm looking forward to rock climbing," said junior adventure team president Garrett Smith.
"I'll be able to teach the rapelling and climbing, and I know certified instructors who taught me can come in."
"I'm looking forward to the challenges of the outdoors," said junior secretary Mark Campbell.
However, the team is not all fun and games, according to club adviser Mike Hittle.
"The team has to pass strenuous physical tests, starting with everyone doing a two-mile run and 50 sit ups," explained Hittle. "The men have 45 push-ups to do in one minute and 35 push ups for the women. The men do seven pull ups and the women must do four."
"I think we set the standards a little low," said Smith about the physical fitness test. "But for the average student, some parts might be a challenge."
Challenging indeed. As of fourth period October 11, no one had met the qualifications.
"The physical test was harder than I anticipated. The hardest part was the ending push up," said Campbell.
The team will be an elite group of students, said Hittle, but he will offer the test every Friday during JROTC class. Students are supposed to prepare for the test on their own, but have as many chance as it takes to pass.
"The running wasn't too tough," said Campbell. "The push-ups could be tough for some people."
The students will have to plan all their own events and Hittle said he and the other adviser, Mike Jurczak, will do nothing but advise.
"We've already have the first activity planned for this weekend," said Denton. "Saturday we'll go into the Jewel and stay overnight there."
Said Hittle:
"The main reason for doing this is to get students the opportunity to work on their team building
skills, using physically demanding and confidence building exercises."