Submitted by the Cobb County School District; photos by Kristen Harter:
Wheeler High School’s Raider teams opened the 2026 season with an impressive showing, capturing first place in the Mixed Division at the second annual Wheeler Wildcat Raider Challenge, held on Wheeler’s campus on Saturday, August 29.
Raider Competition is a high-intensity athletic program within JROTC that challenges cadets through a series of team-oriented physical and skill-based events. Often compared to a team version of “American Ninja Warrior,” Raider competitions typically include events such as obstacle courses, team runs, rescue challenges, rope bridges, tire flips, and fitness tests.
Beyond the physical challenges, Raider Competition supports the broader goals of JROTC by helping cadets develop ethical values, citizenship, leadership, communication, and critical-thinking skills. The program promotes physical fitness, healthy decision-making, self-motivation, and personal responsibility. Through the demands of team competition, cadets learn the importance of cooperation, discipline, and perseverance—skills that help them succeed in the classroom and pursue excellence throughout their lives.
The Wildcat Raider Challenge brought together 12 high schools and 22 Raider teams for a full day of physically demanding, team-based events. The teams—10 male, three female, and nine mixed—competed in Team Run, Rope Bridge, Physical Team Test, Tire Flip, and Rescue Rodeo. Wheeler’s Mixed team won all but one of the five events, and the Wheeler Boys team took second in both the Rope Bridge and Rescue Rodeo. Overall, the Mixed team won their category, and the Boys team took fourth.
“It was so amazing to see everything this weekend,” said an excited Dr. Sara Fetterman, Wheeler’s Principal. “I am so proud of how our two teams performed and that we were able to host such a fantastic event!”
Dr. Fetterman’s video of the Rope Bridge also received hundreds of thousands of views on Instagram. “I love that we are getting the message out about our program’s success,” she said with a smile.
This accomplishment is particularly significant for the Wildcats because Wheeler has the only Air Force JROTC Raider program in Cobb County and competes in a sport traditionally dominated by Army JROTC programs.
Wheeler’s Raider program also benefits from a crosstown partnership with Walton High School. Through the agreement, cadets from both schools train and compete together as one Raider team, combining their talents and building a strong culture of teamwork.
The Wildcat Raiders’ impressive performance was the result of months of preparation and demonstrated their dedication. Raider Competition requires athletes to work together under pressure while pushing themselves physically and mentally.
The Wildcat Raider teams will return to competition Saturday at Etowah High School, continuing their third season. With a first-place finish already secured, Wheeler’s Raiders are off to a strong start.
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