Norwich cadets take top two finishes at Bataan Memorial Death March

Two teams of Norwich University cadets claimed both first and second place in the ROTC Heavy Division at the 37th Annual Bataan Memorial Death March, continuing a multi-year streak of success in this demanding event.

The Norwich University Alpha Team finished first with a time of 3:10.59, while Bravo Team secured second place, marking another dominant performance for the program at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The annual march commemorates the sacrifices of both U.S. and Filipino soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March during World War II. In April 1942, approximately 75,000 troops were forced by Japanese forces to march roughly 65 miles under brutal conditions after surrendering in the Philippines. Thousands died from starvation, dehydration, and mistreatment during the march and subsequent imprisonment.

Established in 1989 by Army ROTC at New Mexico State University, the memorial event has grown into an international competition drawing thousands of military and civilian participants alike each year. Competitors choose between a 15.6-mile or 26.4-mile course, with ROTC teams competing in divisions that include the physically demanding heavy category, which requires participants to carry weighted rucksacks.

For Norwich's teams, success in the desert environment comes after months of preparation far from the heat of New Mexico.

"Preparing for an event like the Bataan Death March requires physical training, mental preparation, and logistical planning," said Scott Caulfield, director of strength and conditioning and the team's advisor. "The physical training focuses on endurance, strength, mobility, and recovery."

That preparation includes long-distance rucking, structured recovery, and a focus on injury prevention — all critical for sustaining performance across the course.

"Mental preparation is critically important," he said. "Building resilience helps you push through discomfort, while team cohesion ensures mutual support during the march.

Training in Vermont presents an added challenge, as cadets must prepare for the harsh desert conditions without direct exposure to them.

"Environmental acclimatization, which means training in similar conditions to the event, helps participants adapt to the challenges they will face, and this factor is the most impressive aspect of this team's success over the years," said Caulfield. "The Death March takes place in New Mexico each year with very warm weather, and our team spends their entire time training and preparing indoors and outdoors in Vermont but they're still able to go and have this kind of success."

The results reflect not only physical readiness but also a sustained culture of discipline and teamwork within the program.

"This team's legacy of success is a testament to the University's commitment to excellence, discipline, and teamwork," said Caulfield. "It reflects the institution's values of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance."

He also added that back-to-back top finishes underscore the dedication of the cadets behind the results.

"Serving as the advisor for the team, it's incredibly rewarding to see our cadets planning and execution result in top finishes over the past three years," said Caulfield. "It validates our cadet's countless hors of planning, training, and dedication that went into preparation."

Beyond the competition, the march carries a deeper meaning for participants.

"I feel that everyone should know that the Bataan Death March is more than just a physical challenge, it's a tribute to the soldiers who endured unimaginable hardships during World War II," said Caulfield. "The Norwich team participates not only to compete, but to honor the legacy of those who came before them."

“For the last three years our teams have won this event, and I proudly display their plaques in the Commandant’s Conference Room for all to see. This level of excellence indicates the winning culture and high training standards this group of cadets has built and maintained. The months of training that it takes to compete at their level is impressive and shows what can be accomplished when a few dedicated cadets put their bodies and minds into a task. The fact that they choose to compete in this event that memorializes the sacrifice of our U.S. service members during the Bataan Death March also shows they know and honor history. They are faithful to the past, and I’m extremely proud of them.” — BG Bill McCollough '91, VSM, Commandant of Cadets and Vice President of Student Affairs.

The performances of Alpha and Bravo teams' performance reinforces Norwich Unviersity's continued prominence in the event, demonstrating both competitive excellence and a commitment to honoring the history and lives behind the memorial march.