Clemson University’s Company C-4 of the Pershing Rifles added to its decorated history by winning the 2024 Varsity Rifles trophy at the organization’s national convention March 14-17 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Clemson earned three first-place drill finishes and accumulated the highest score among competing teams.

“This was our 12^th national championship,” says Sebastian Ducharne, a senior management major and commander of the Pershing Rifles. “Clemson has a rich history of excellence in Pershing Rifles, and it meant everything to me and everyone else in the organization to perform as well as we did.”

Ducharne says Pershing Rifles has performed at more than 70 events at Clemson since he took over as commander last April. The event total includes color guard performances, 21-gun salutes and POW/MIA “missing man” tables. The organization has 30 members who train for two hours each day.

Pershing Rifles is a national society founded in 1894 at the University of Nebraska. Clemson’s chapter was chartered in 1939.

“We are extremely proud of our Pershing Rifles team,” says Emily DaBruzzi, who advises the group in her role as director of Military & Veteran Engagement. “The consistent level of success Clemson has had over the years is a testament to the incredible culture within Pershing Rifles, and we could not be happier for these students.”