IRVING, Texas - Mesquite Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) cadets and Future Soldiers competed against Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders in the Army physical fitness test, May 31 at Memorial Stadium in Mesquite. Participants competed in push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2-mile run. The contestants were judged one-on-one to see how they scored against the cheerleaders.
Two students proved they were Army Strong by taking the top two spots in the competition. Martha Ramos, a 16-year-old 10th grader from West Mesquite High School, won first place. Second place went to 17-year-old Jose Diaz from North Mesquite High School. Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Laura Beke earned overall 3rd place in the competition.
The Challenge the Cheerleaders event promoted physical fitness, health, and living an Army Strong lifestyle among high school students, said Lt. Col. Ronnie J. Williamson, commander of the Dallas Recruiting Battalion. Additionally, it motivated Army Future Soldiers before they ship out to Basic Training later this summer.
Coordination for the event included two instrumental U.S. Army D/FW Community Advisory Board members: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Jim Blunk, Mesquite Independent School District Director of Army Instruction, and Lin Johnson, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Boot Camp Fitness trainer.
