There is a lot of time and effort that goes into launching a new team in a high school. Along with finding students to participate, help them learn the sport, and prepare for competition Charissa Ozatlin is the coach of the Academic Team at Duncan High School. In the club’s first year, she says it was a learning experience for all.
“I loved being part of the Academic Team this year,” Ozatlin said. “We were all new and doing it for the first time together. The team started with four ninth graders for the first competition. By the end of the season, we were able to recruit a sophomore, junior, and senior to fill our team.”
One of those team members and captain of the team, Bennett Burch, says that while they were learning the ropes this season, she is looking forward to next season.
“It was fun but a bit chaotic since we were kind of just figuring things out as we went,” she said. “I think my favorite memory was getting some food at Sid’s Diner with the team after one of the games. Next season, if we are a bit more established, we might be able to go to some more tournaments. I am definitely excited to compete more.”
Looking ahead to next season, Ozatlin knows that one thing that her team will have to work on is getting new team members.
“I think the biggest challenge that we will face as a team next year is recruiting students who will fill the gaps on our team,” the coach said.
Another member of the team, Domanick Ragan, who joined the team during the season says that it was a great experience.
“It was fun,” Ragan said. “I wasn’t here for much of the season, but the one meet I went to was a blast. I am looking forward to getting to meet more people and hopefully winning more meets next year.”
As the inaugural season for the team drew to a close, the members of the team included Burch, Ragan, Cooper Beranek, AJ Sinner, Braiden Stevens, and Kaizaiiah Kessler.
