In a gym buzzing with anticipation and packed with cadets from across Southern California, Pacifica High School’s Mariner Battalion once again proved its excellence. On September 20th, at Troy High School, the Mariners were named champions of the Troy Athletic Field Meet (TAFM) for the eighth consecutive year.
The announcement came after hours of intense competition, with units from Area 21—Pacifica’s NJROTC region—competing in various athletic challenges. With ten first-place finishes already under their belt, the final results were close. As the announcer finally declared, “And first place goes to… Pacifica!”, the gym erupted in cheers.
What is TAFM?
TAFM is an annual field meet hosted at Troy High School, bringing together NJROTC units from Area 21 to compete in team-based physical challenges. According to Captain Geyer, Pacifica’s NJROTC coordinator, the event is not just about athleticism—it’s also about building teamwork, sportsmanship, and unit pride. “We participate in TAFM to help new cadets develop camaraderie and a sense of belonging within the program,” he said.
Last-Minute Changes, Maximum Effort
Unlike in previous years, this year’s preparation came with a twist. Originally, Pacifica was scheduled to compete at the Rialto Athletic Field Meet (RAFM). However, due to unexpected changes, the team had to pivot back to TAFM—just one week before the event.
Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Emily Tran, who led the team, described the time crunch. “We had to organize everything—from team commanders to practices—within a week. Some events had less than 30 minutes of total practice time,” she shared. Despite the limited time, cadets stepped up, dedicating every spare moment to training.
Emily also noted the behind-the-scenes work that went into the event. “We had to notify parents, prepare food and gear, and make sure cadets were motivated and ready to compete,” she said.
A Day of Discipline and Dedication
On competition day, the cadets loaded the buses early, prepared for
a long and demanding day. From the moment they stepped on campus, professionalism was expected. Before departure, cadets received a behavior briefing, according to Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Shane Dao, the battalion’s Command Master at Arms. The focus was on sportsmanship, discipline, and encouraging cadets to step outside their comfort zones.
Safety was also a top priority. With the physical demands of the meet, injuries were a possibility. To manage this, a designated cadet served as the battalion’s safety officer, ready to handle minor injuries like cuts, cramps, or heat-related issues.
Victory Through Teamwork
Despite the short preparation time and the challenges faced, the cadets performed with determination and pride. Their teamwork, resilience, and dedication paid off—not just in trophies, but in the experience gained and bonds strengthened. With yet another victory secured, Pacifica’s Mariner Battalion continues to set the standard for excellence in NJROTC. Here’s to making it nine in a row next year.
