CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Prior to the South Carolina Corps of Cadets commencement ceremony on Saturday, The Citadel Athletics proudly celebrated four cadet-athletes as they officially commissioned into the United States Armed Forces, joining over 170 fellow graduates -- approximately one-third of the graduating class -- at a joint commissioning ceremony Friday morning at McAlister Field House.

The track & field program led the way with two officers -- Demetrius Shine (Navy) and Briggs Powell (Navy). Additionally, Jacob Silka (Army) represented the wrestling program while Carson Wood (Army) carried the flag for the rifle team.


Demetrius Shine, Track & Field | U.S. Navy
Briggs Powell, Track & Field | U.S. Navy
"Demtrius and Briggs display every characteristic we hope to instill in our cadet-athletes," track & field head coach Kris Kut said. "Over the last four years, they successfully balanced the four pillars of academics, athletics, the Corps, and ROTC. They developed into principled leaders and were an absolute blessing to have on the team.

"They led by example every day and will thrive in their next chapter. They truly made a positive impact on our program and helped strengthen the culture in the locker room.  The opportunity to coach them truly made me a better person, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors. They will be nothing short of outstanding officers in the United States Navy."


Jacob Silka, Wrestling | U.S. Army
"My great grandfather, grandfather, dad and brothers have all been in the military, which definitely influenced my decision to join," Silka said. "I still wanted to wrestle in college at the same time, which is why I chose The Citadel. I got to be a part of the ROTC and the wrestling program, which also both helped pay for school, so I could not refuse such an incredible offer."


Carson Wood, Rifle | U.S. Army