The Minnesota Wing’s Duluth Composite Squadron cadet team placed first for the second straight year at the North Central Region Cadet Competition, followed by the Missouri Wing’s Table Rock Lake Composite Squadron and the Iowa Wing’s Black Hawk Composite Squadron.
Competing in Salina, Kansas, the Duluth cadets took four of the seven team categories — Standard/Element Drill, Physical Fitness Test, Aero Build, and Team Leadership Problem — and placed second in Indoor Posting, Uniform Inspection, Impromptu Speech, Kahoot, and Service Project.
The team consisted of:
Cadet Second Lts. George Frederickson, Sophia Thomas, and Ryan Thompson
Chief Master Sgts. Isaac Carlson, Sarah Rose, and Nicholas Winter
Thomas, Thompson, and Winter also competed on the 2024 team.
“We’re incredibly proud,” said Capt. Glenn McGill, squadron commander. “Since January, these cadets have dedicated countless hours — training twice a week — not only to mastering the fundamentals of drill but also to forging a strong sense of unity and teamwork. Their commitment transformed them into a cohesive, high-performing unit.”
“After a narrow miss at the Minnesota Wing Cadet Competition, they came back more determined than ever. Fueled by renewed enthusiasm and an unshakable drive, they intensified their training — and it showed,” McGill said.
“Their outstanding performance is a testament to their resilience, discipline, and teamwork.”
The Table Rock Lake team tied for second in the Team Leadership Problem category.
Team members were:
Cadet Capt. Rhian Fletcher
Cadet 1st Lt. Carolyna Tau
Cadet 2nd Lts. Abigael Nievar and Elias Tuck
Cadet Chief Master Sgts. Coltinn Nievar and Dru Ridgeway
Cadet Tech. Sgt. Chance Jensen
“I am humbled by the work ethic of these young cadets,” said Capt. Stephen Lind, squadron commander. “They make me proud and confident in this country’s future.”
The Black Hawk cadets’ third-place performance included wins in the Uniform Inspection and Service Project categories.
Making up the team were:
Cadet Lt. Col. Jack Morman
Cadet 2nd Lts. Benjamin DeFord, Shane DeFord, William DeWall, Liam Stoakes, and Ava Rice
“I’m so proud of our team on their first try for the regional trophy,” said Maj. Robert Green. squadron commander. “We’ve learned valuable lessons and tips for our next attempt in 2026 and brought back some great insights for improving our squadron, too.”
Rounding out the field of competitors were:
Iowa WingSouthwest Iowa Composite Squadron
Kansas WingKonza Composite Squadron
Minnesota WingFort Snelling Cadet Squadron
Missouri WingSpringfield Composite Squadron
Nebraska WingTeam 1
Team 2
North Dakota WingMagic City Composite Squadron
South Dakota WingSioux Falls Composite Squadron
In addition to the first-, second-, and third-place overall finishers, performances by category included:
Cadet Physical Fitness TestSecond (tie) — Konza Composite Squadron and Magic City Composite Squadron
Indoor PostingFirst — Sioux Falls Composite Squadron
Standard/Element DrillSecond — Sioux Falls Composite Squadron
Team Leadership ProblemSecond — Nebraska Wing Team 1
Aero Build (STEM exercise)Second — Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron
Impromptu SpeechFirst — Southwest Iowa Composite Squadron
Kahoot (panel quiz and written exam)First — Konza Composite Squadron_____Lt. Col. David MillerDirector of Public AffairsNorth Central Region
