For the first time in at least 15 years, the ACE team won the Academic Team County Tournament on Wednesday against their longtime rivals, Atkins High School. The team eeked out a 196-188 win after multiple lead changes and a 172-172 tie late in the game.
“It seemed like after every question, one team would pull ahead of the other… It was very important to get every point possible, and we were only able to squeeze through a win because of the hard work of my teammates,” senior Daniel Bryant.
The ACE team went 8-0 in the regular season, then won three matches in the playoffs to make it to the championship. The team was named regular season champions in English, math and social studies.
“For the people who were competing, it boosted their confidence for the championship the first time we beat Atkins,” junior Kylie Nguyen said.
With all of the effort put into the regular season, the ACE team made it to the championship where they beat Atkins, becoming county tournament champions.
“We’ve had some great matches against Atkins, but when you’re facing a long losing streak it’s always nice to pick up a win,” head coach Duncan Memory said.
Academic Team matches are split into five subject categories, English, math, science, social studies and general knowledge, which each require significant practice and preparation.
“We split up into teams, and using questions from previous years, we compete with our own team to push ourselves and our knowledge as best as possible so we are match ready,” senior Matthew Lee said.
Considering Atkins’ winning streak in previous tournaments, this triumphant win is a very important achievement for ACE members.
“It is truly a culmination of all of the hard work we’ve put into our season…I’m even more proud that such an amazing group of seniors and underclassmen were able to come together and contribute to an awesome win,” Lee said.
This overall success following an already impressive season is a result of the effort and enthusiasm that the ACE team dedicated this year, and their win is one worthy of celebration.