Putting smart to the test: Academic 'season' opens

The 2009-2010 edition of the Oberlin High School Academic Challenge team opened its fall season and the defense of its 2008 Erie Shores Academic League title with a match at Elyria High School on Thursday, Oct. 29.

The Team Phoenix varsity, led by new co-captains Dyani Sabin and Jacob Morris, defeated the Pioneers by a convincing score of 45-24. Also competing for the varsity match were juniors Michael Andrews, Evan Hilton, and Avery Kalyn. Oberlin is coming off one of its most successful years, having won two conference titles last year in addition to a regional runner-up title and a trip to the Ohio Academic Competition State Tournament. Oberlin is coached by Jason Craigo and Rick McDaniel.

"Competition in the Erie Shores Academic League will be pretty stiff this year," McDaniel said. "We've expanded to seven teams this year with the additions of Elyria Catholic and Clearview and they will both bring considerable talent and experience to the league."

Rounding out the Erie Shores roster are long-time members Oberlin, Elyria, Admiral King, Southview, and Lutheran West.

The Phoenix junior varsity lost its match with the Pioneers by a 24-17 score, however, the coaches said they were pleased by the performance given the competitive level of the questions.

"The JV were using the same questions as the varsity teams and it's a pretty advanced level for this early in the year," Craigo said. "I was personally pleased with the score and with the effort the JV made. It should be a good year for them."

The JV roster for the match at Elyria included Avalon McKee, Emily Rasmussen, Rachel Mentzer, Rebecca Davidson, and Madeleine Geitz. Team Phoenix fields one of its largest teams ever this year and watching from the audience and cheering on their teammates were junior Victor Debouter; sophomore Angel Bozaan-Roche; and freshmen Kent Debouter, Ed Fuquay, Cassie Galley, Molly Norenberg, and Anthony Teague. Team members Paulo Orso-Giacone, Glenna Medwid, Sarah Burbridge, Nick Sakakeeny, David Miller and Michael Zapotechne were unable to attend the match due to schedule conflicts with the many extracurricular activities at the high school.

"With 23 active team members we're loaded with talent and future potential," McDaniel said. "The kids bring a wide variety of interests and strengths to the program and this year's group is a fantastic bunch."

Craigo and McDaniel announced the appointment of the team co-captains last week during their Tuesday practice.

"Both Dyani and Jacob have the experience and the leadership skills to do a great deal for the team," Craigo said. "When we spoke with others on the team prior to the final decision, Dyani's or Jacob's name were pretty much first on everyone's list. That speaks a lot to the respect their teammates have for them."

Sabin divides her time between her academics and her love of drama, art, and horseback riding. As co-director of the OHS Drama Club's current production of "Blithe Spirit," she is involved in all aspects of the production. Next year she will be attending Carelton College in Minnesota to major in biology.

Morris is actively involved in the TEE Program (Teacher Education Exploration) and is receiving both high school and college credit for his classroom teaching at Eastwood Elementary. He'll be attending Charleston Jesuit University in West Virginia next year with plans to major in education.

This Thursday the Phoenix have a bye week in the Erie Shores schedule but they will have formal intra-squad matches starting at 4 p.m. The varsity will be in the library/media center and the JV in Room #104. The intra-squad matches and all home matches are open to spectators and are free of charge.

Oberlin's schedule of remaining matches in the Erie Shores Academic League include the following:

* Thursday. Nov. 12, 4 p.m., home against Admiral King.

* Thursday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m., home against Elyria Catholic.

* Thursday, Dec. 3, 4 p.m., home against Clearview.

* Thursday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m., home against Southview.

* Thursday, Jan. 7, 4 p.m., away at Lutheran West.