The Academic Team’s season came to a thrilling conclusion with a trip to the National Championships in Chicago. By virtue of winning the Bel Air Invitational AND the Harford County Championship, the Neutrinos earned a trip to this prestigious tournament.
Led by captains Justin Hawkins and Kathy Deaver, team members Rawlison Zhang (senior), junior Eric Wright, and freshman Drew Forthman made the trip to Chi-Town. All team members were able to play in this tournament, and all made significant contributions. The competition was stiff, with over 40 of the best teams in the nation competing. JC played six matches, needing to win four to make the playoffs. Alas, it was not to be. On day one, they started out with a defeat to a very strong team from Tennessee (295-115) before beating Elida, Ohio by a score of 230-145. The next day they lost four straight matches, with the first loss by a score of 320-170 to powerhouse Henderson County, Kentucky. But the next three losses were very close; 245-215 to Danvers, Massachusetts, 230-215 to Conway, Arkansas, and 230-215 to Pataskala, Ohio. Mr. Bob Schick, faculty moderator stated, "I feel our team really belonged in this tournament, and held their own against some very strong competition."
During down time, the students saw many of the sights Chicago has to offer. Among other things, they visited Wrigley Field, attended Mass at Holy Name Cathedral, went to Millennium Park, toured the Art Institute (where they were able to see many of the paintings they studied for the meets), and went to the top of the Sears (Willis) Tower (above picture taken 103 floors above the sidewalk!).
Mr. Schick, summed it up this way: "I’d like to be able to take loads of credit for our team’s success. But the reality is that we have some brilliant kids on our team, and they “train” every single day in your classrooms. It is a tribute to the quality of a John Carroll education that our team achieved this level of success. Thank you so much for your dedication, and for your support of the Neutrinos as they conclude a terrific season."