The academic team at Bishop McGuinness Catholic School won the 5A Academic Bowl state championship April 2.
The school placed in the top six the last 15 of 17 years, but had not won state since winning back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000.
“Going into the last quarter of the championship game against Bishop Kelley it was tied, so it was nerve-wrecking, but it was very exciting once we won,” team captain Curt Schwager said.
Team member Chris Bayless was chosen as one of the 36 high school seniors among all OSSAA classes to be honored as Academic Bowl All-State. He competed in the All-State games April 9.
In addition to Schwager and Bayless, members of the championship team include Lindsay Best, Jacob Love, Riley McCoy, Chisa Nwanebu, Lucia Corredor and Sam Wilson. Physics teacher Nicky Goff is the head coach for the team, and science department coordinator Julia Anderson-Holt serves as assistant coach.
Photo: Displaying the bracket and their awards, the team gathered for a photo after their win. Front row: assistant coach Julia Anderson-Holt, Lindsay Best, Lucia Corredor and head coach Nicky Goff. Second Row: Sam Wilson, team captain Curt Schwager, Chisa Nwanebu, Jacob Love, Chris Bailey and Riley McCoy.