Marmion's Flannigan Rifles Military Drill Team
Marmion's Flannigan Rifles Military Drill Team
History of the Flannigan Rifles Drill Team
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"Flannigan Rifles" The Marmion drill team is currently in their 60th year of existence, officially formed in September of 1947 by Technical Sergeant Earl K. Buchan. The team performed their first public exhibition on December 10th, 1948 in Aurora, Illinois. On March 4, 1950 Marmion Military Academy's drill platoon participated in a 15 minute drill routine in front of 5000 spectators at the Chicago Armory broadcast by WGN television. The drill platoon was commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Richard Murphy. In a ceremony held 29 years ago at Marmion, the drill team was officially named 'Flannigan Rifles'. The team was named in honor of Robert W. and Gerald F. Flannigan. While students at Marmion both served as company commanders. Gerald Flannigan died while in service to his country during World War II and Robert passed away shortly before the November 11th ceremony in 1975. Throughout our 59 year existence the drill team has competed in over 256 regional and national drill competitions and performed over 454 demonstrations. The season for members of the drill team begins the second week of school, at Marmion this is usually the last week of August, and will last through the second week of May. Throughout the year the drill team will practice seven to nine times a week Monday through Friday, for approximately seven to ten hours. This however does not include the countless hours each of these individuals practice at home. With this in mind, the commitment to the drill team is secondary to each of the team members. Their primary concern at Marmion is academics. Proof of their dedication to studies is evidenced by fact that eighty-five percent or more of the drill team consistently earns honor roll distinction at Marmion. Flannigan Rifles members comprise eighteen different teams we enter in competition. Last year, Flannigan Rifles competed at 5 regional drill meets and the National Drill competition in Daytona Beach, Florida. In the school year 2006-2007 Flannigan Rifles earned 49 team trophies and 28 individual awards. The team has earned the commanders cup winning 26 out of the 30 regional drill competitions over the past six years. The commanders cup is awarded at drill competitions to the top performing drill team overall. Flannigan rifles have won a total of 259 trophies over the past six years. This past May at Daytona Beach, in the Masters Level Demilitarized Division, Flannigan Rifles finished 4th, for a second year in a row, in the Nation against 35 teams from across the United States. The team earned 1st place trophies (National Champions) in both the Armed Exhibition Squad and the Armed Exhibition Platoon while also finishing 5th place in both Regulation Drill and Color Guard. Andrew C. Brown took 4th place as Best Commander competition. Realizing that Flannigan rifles are more than its awards, although a convenient way to depict the team's success, one can't overlook its culture and character. You need to look at each cadet, at the academy and church, at the instructors, at the community and at the team's reputation in its competitive arena to see the entire picture. A cadet must utilize his skill, talent, experience and background and must challenge himself through discipline, moral character and personal responsibility. Each year, the number of students interested in participating on the drill team has increased more than any other team or club. Only 15-20 freshmen cadets are invited to join during the freshman roll call that takes place at the end of November. Becoming a Flannigan rifles cadet demands the most from each individual, but it is through its mentorship process -student taught/student lead - under SGM Gissel's leadership that the team grows collectively.
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