MMA Scout Troop 1889 Places 3rd and 7th in Great Rivers Klondike Derby

Missouri Military Academy's Scout Troop 1889 participated in the Great Rivers Klondike Derby in Macon, Missouri, camping out on January 24 and 25. More than 200 Scouts competed in the derby, and MMA’s Troop 1889 Blackhawk Patrol and Combat Wombat Patrol placed third and seventh out of 32 patrols.

The competition included 11 timed events such as First Aid (administered on a patrol member), Air Rifle Shooting (at a fixed target), Tomahawk Throwing, Tripod Physics (lifting a 50 lb. object), Fire Building (primitive, with points deducted for use of matches), Claim Jumpers (scouting trivia) and other teambuilding races. The competition concluded with the Great Sled Race.

 “Troop 1889 showed great leadership and Scout Spirit this weekend,” according to Eric Evertson, Troop 1889 Scoutmaster, praising the cadets for well representing MMA core values. “Troop 1889 was competitive, and they were also very encouraging to the other patrols and Scouters from other troops. This character showed through in every event.” 

In addition to the skill-based competition, cadets cooked their meals over and shared stories around the campfire, building connections and staying warm in below-freezing temperatures. 

Troop 1889 Senior Patrol Leader Lukas Joiner, a high school junior, said he is proud of the troop's third-place finish and how the MMA Scouts represented the Academy.

"Our troop had a blast at the Klondike Derby. The whole time we were there, I felt like our troop acted professionally," said Joiner. "Being there made me realize there's more to Scouting than just trips and outdoor activities. We learned to work with other Scouts, and if they needed help, we were there and vice versa. My favorite part was working with other Scouts and my own Scouts to get them to where they needed to be."

Seven cadets competed in the Klondike Derby: Gavin Dooley of Lebanon, IL; Daniel Drabinski of Dallas, TX; Lukas Joiner of Sullivan, MO; Creed Martin of Prosper, TX; Raymond McDonald of Austin, TX; Grant Pendley of St. Charles, MO; and Cole Hager of Overland Park, KS.

Special thank you to Mr. Matt Jackson and Mr. Rodrigo Padilla for attending as chaperones and support. "These two earned the respect of the Scouts through their demonstration of patience, love, and mentorship. They are truly an asset beyond words." -- Scoutmaster Evertson