A New School of Thought
Jacqueline Rodriguez ’13PhD had no idea her studies and service work would eventually take her to the front lines of one of our nation’s most important challenges.
Teams of four took on a military-style obstacle course for the 15th annual Iron Knight Challenge. In partnership with local and national government agencies, the event provides a pathway for high school students to attend UCF and join the university’s ROTC program or become a professional first responder.
JROTC youth and adult challengers from across Florida completed the 4-mile race as they made their way around UCF’s campus, leaving no comrade behind. In this test of physical and mental endurance, 41 teams emerged victorious this year and received a knight helmet as trophies.
“It was great to see UCF connect with its surrounding community and build relations with all the high schools and first responder groups in the area.”
— Paul Hayes, UCF Army ROTC cadet and integrated business student
$100
Entry fee for each team, supporting cadets in the UCF Army ROTC program
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Supporting units were in attendance, including the U.S. Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force, and Orange County Fire and Police departments
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Physical fitness events along the route, including tire flips, deadlifts and pull-ups
A team of four crawl under a barbed wire while pulling weights in a desperate attempt to complete the fitness challenge. (Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)
