Xavier's B team placed eighth of the 27 teams from around the Midwest that competed.

The A team won three of eight events: fitness test, weapons assembly/disassembly and the 10k rucksack run.

Two Xavier ROTC members earned individual honors: Cadet Michael Burke received the highest male physical fitness score, and Cadet Steve Belickis shot 40 for 40 (a perfect score) in rifle marksmanship.

"This competition for us is like the Super Bowl or NCAA basketball championships, except you train all year only to compete one day," said Tim Gobin, professor of military science.

MSJ teacher program plans open houses

The College of Mount St. Joseph will hold two open houses for its new Teacher Education Apprenticeship Master's-Inclusive Early Childhood program, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17, at 9 a.m. Nov. 20, in the Corona Room of the College's Seton Center.

The course prepares adult students to become teachers. Call 244-1645 or e-mail education@mail.msj.edu for more information.

MU grant to help fund genome decoding

The National Science Foundation recently awarded Miami University's Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics a $477,783 grant. It will fund the acquisition of a high-volume, rapid DNA sequencer, a robotic liquid handling system and a computer cluster for analyzing DNA data.

The decoding of the human genome is leading to the creation of genetically targeted drugs and gene therapies. Miami's center involves the school's departments of botany, chemistry/biochemistry, geology, microbiology and zoology.

Xavier expands degree program to Fenwick

Beginning this spring, Xavier University will offer its master of education degree program in elementary and secondary education at Middletown's Fenwick High School.

Xavier has been offering several courses at Fenwick since the fall of 2001, but was recently approved to offer the entire program.

The entire master's of education program, with concentrations in elementary, secondary, and administration, also is offered at Wilmington High School.