Running strong with the ROTC runners

When senior business student Nick Hutson isn’t busy with school, he leads the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Runners: an unofficial running club he started at MSU last year. The club is for anyone interested in fitness, with workouts modeled after U.S Army training regimens. ROTC is a collegiate program that allows students to partially complete the training required to become a military officer while they complete their academic degree. Hutson’s club, which originally began as an impromptu way to train for a military fitness competition, has since grown into something greater. "I originally started the club to train for an ROTC fitness competition last February," Hutson explained. "But now, it’s more about general fitness and building a sense of community among the members." . The club’s exercises vary. Some days, the group runs with 35 to 45 pounds of additional weight in their backpacks — an exercise the military calls rucking — to increase their endurance. Although the club initially began with only ROTC members, it has since expanded to include other students. "It started with just a small group of Army ROTC cadets, but then friends started joining and now we have people from Marine ROTC, National Guard and even non-military students," Hutson said. "Anyone can join if they’re interested." "We sometimes head over to Bridger Brewing for pizza and a beer after a workout — it’s as much a social club as it is a running club,” Hutson said. The club usually runs throughout the year, although fewer people tend to show up during the cold months. "When it’s freezing and there’s snow on the ground, it’s hard to get people motivated," Hutson said. But for those who are dedicated, the workouts continue — sometimes even including CrossFit-style training sessions in addition to running and rucking. According to Hutson, one of the best parts of leading the club is seeing members push themselves. “Last semester, we did a seven-mile run, and some people had never run that far before. They were really proud of themselves when they finished. It’s great to see people achieve things they didn’t think they could.” Hutson first got involved in ROTC after attending a campus tour at MSU. “I always had an interest in the military and I like staying active, so ROTC seemed like a good fit for me,” he said. Now a senior, Hutson is preparing to graduate and become an officer in the Army. He said that he hopes the running club will continue after he graduates. “There’s always going to be a need for fitness within ROTC, and I think the club will keep going even after I’m gone,” Hutson said. The ROTC Runners meet every Monday at 6 p.m. outside the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. While the turnout varies between around five to 10 people each week, Hutson is always ready to welcome new runners. When asked what he looks for in new members, Hutson keeps it simple: "Anyone who wants to run and challenge themselves is welcome," he said If you're interested in improving your fitness and being part of a community of highly motivated goal-oriented individuals, the ROTC Runners might be just what you’re looking for.

Interested in what ROTC has to offer? Visit https://www.montana.edu/army or reach out to @msu.rotc on Instagram