BHS NJROTC Orienteering Nationals

The BHS NJROTC Orienteering Team, the Area 1 Champions, just returned from Pelham, Alabama after competing in the NJROTC National Orienteering Championship on a very challenging course at Oak Mountain State Park. The sport of Orienteering consists of finding a series of designated points sporadically placed over a large geographic area using only a map and compass.

Using their orienteering skills, a map, and a compass, they interpreted the land various features to run approximately 2 to 4 miles each day over a hilly and heavily forested park including numerous water crossings to find 17-20 different points. The students had to develop an understanding of map colors and common symbols; maintaining an alignment with the map, following line features; and the ability to make rapid decisions at control points.

The team only had two orienteering competitions this year and the winter weather limited the outdoor practices leading up to the National Competition. Despite a one-day delay due to the heavy weather and tornado warnings, the team performed admirably. 

With over 65 registered teams and approximately 600 runners, the Varsity Team placed 30th and the Junior Varsity Team placed 31st. A remarkable showing for their first National competition. 

The team consisted of William Mattson, Riley Borneman, Jonathan Donofrio, Max Justin Stano, Max Matthews, Anthony Borja, Marcos Chinchilima, Johan Mojica, Meylin Coronado, and Ryan Martin, in addition to Cassie Fox, who served as the Team Manager. 

While all members of the team were outstanding, William Mattson, Riley Borneman, and Jonathan Donofrio navigated their way to find all mandatory points within the three-hour time limit. On the varsity course, Will finished 63rd, Riley finished 92nd, and Jonathan Donofrio finished 101st.