Monday, Oct. 10, Ada High hosted this year’s district academic meet. Three teams competed; Pauls Valley, Byng and Ada all brawled for district ranking, which would determine who each team competed against in regional competition.

The meet ended in a disappointing loss for the Cougars, but the team hopes to regroup and head to Regionals.

“We didn’t do our best, but we will get better,” said Lexie Speed, Ada High Senior and academic team member.

Despite the season’s rocky start, Speed is dedicated to her team and enjoying the rest of the season.

“My favorite thing about Academic Team is getting to compete against other schools, and test our knowledge,” said Speed.

Last season the academic team made it through both Districts and Regionals to play in the Area tournament and were knocked out in double elimination. Had they won the area tournament, they would have progressed to the state championship. This year, a new group has high hopes of exceeding last year’s season.

Shari Manwell, AHS teacher and academic team coach, enjoys coaching the students on her team.

“Watching the team work together and support each other is very exciting. Win or lose, I am extremely proud of all my team members. This year, we hope to make it to the state level because last year we were knocked out in the Area tournament,” Manwell said.

Bryce Marshall, Ada High junior and Academic team member is encouraged by how well the team is working together.

“We are just forming a bond, and forming that bond is really one of my favorite things about the Academic Team,” said Marshall

The Ada High academic team will travel to Plainview for the regional tournament on Nov. 12.