Right to Left: Gracie Footit, Lucas Eilers, Anna McClintock, Elizabeth Kolb, Josh Eckerman, Anna Boppart – Contributed by Tiffany Kolb
On Saturday, January 24th, the St. Patrick School Brains Team placed second at the annual Diocesan Academic Brains Competition. The team, made up of four 8th graders and five 7th graders, and one 6th grader had the highest score in their qualifying round, but the competition was tough. There was only a three point spread between the top four teams. The second qualifying round was no different; every question counted. The Championship round included the top three teams of each of the qualifying rounds. There were six rounds of questions: math, science, religion, English grammar & literature, social studies, and a random round. By the end of a very intense contest, Marshfield Columbus was first, St. Pat’s was one point behind them, followed by Aquinas Middle School of La Crosse. Mrs. Crowley and Ms. Davis, Brains Team coaches, were extremely proud of the performance of these children. The members of the St. Pat’s Brains Team are: Captain Gracie Footit, Lucas Eilers, Elizabeth Patton, Elizabeth Kolb, Josh Eckerman, Emily Patton, Anna McClintock, Anna Boppart, Kenny Krause, and Nelson Brandt.
The Brains Team was selected back in November. Selection was based on the results of a qualifying test given to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Of the three grades, the highest scoring students are offered a slot on the Brains Team. This test is just the beginning. The team practices 2-3 times a week during December and January, oftentimes juggling athletic practices and music lessons. Several in-school practice competitions in January simulate the high-pressure nature of answering a question in the 30 second time allotment. The students are also expected to do a great deal of studying and prepping for practices on their own. It takes a great deal of dedication from these students and their coaches to prepare for the Diocesan competition.
St. Pat’s teams traditionally do quite well, thanks to the dedication of St. Patrick’s coaches. Mrs. Mary Beth Crowley, 8th grade teacher, has been coaching the Brains team for twenty-one years. Co-coach Ms.Davis, is a first-time Brains coach, but no stranger to the Brains Competition. Years ago, Ms. Davis recalls competing against St. Patrick’s at the Brains Competition as a student when she attended Assumption Grade School in Wisconsin Rapids. She also reports that St. Patrick School beat Assumption that year. Ms. Davis is the 7th grade teacher at St. Patrick School.
Contributed by Tiffany Kolb