Three Virgin Islands National Guards biathletes braved punishing arctic conditions in Maine over the weekend to secure multiple podium finishes at the annual National Guard Bureau Biathlon Championships.
The competition, held at the Fort Kent Outdoor Center, saw temperatures plummet to -2 degrees in the early mornings, averaging only 15 degrees during midday events.
Coach Chief Warrant Officer Five Mervin Mills, said the VING athletes demonstrated remarkable resilience, balancing the high-cardio demands of crosscountry skiing with the precision of marksmanship.
“Our soldiers trained in conditions that are the opposite of our home environment, but we exceed the standards,” Mills said in a written statement.
The USVI team took home medals in both the Sprint and Pursuit events:
Maj. Stephanie Senogles dominated the Women’s Novice Class, capturing 1st Place in both the Sprint and Pursuit races. Her performance highlights a burgeoning talent in the VING winter sports program, Mills said.
Staff Sgt. Travis Herbert demonstrated consistency in a highly competitive Men’s field, earning 3rd Place in both the Sprint and Pursuit Novice Class events.
Sgt. Nick Felicien rounded out the elite trio, contributing to the team’s overall success and maintaining a strong pace throughout the grueling weekend, Mills said.
This year’s championship marked a historic shift for the VING team, as it was their first iteration of the event being open to civilian participants. The inclusion of civilian athletes raised the level of competition, making the VING team’s podium sweeps even more impressive.
“The VING Biathlon program continues to serve as a testament to the versatility of NGB’s Biathlon program, proving that even ‘Island Soldiers’ can become masters of the snow,” Mills said.
The Virgin Islands National Guard serves as a dual-mission force, providing ready-to-respond support for territorial emergencies and augmenting the U.S. Army and Air Force in global operations.
The biathlon program promotes physical fitness, marksmanship, and mental toughness in extreme environments.
