While some students dread adding more schoolwork to their to-do list, members of the Academic League willingly do just that. The Cathedral Catholic Academic League is a team devoted to gaining knowledge and intelligence.
The team members work on studying various subjects and becoming more cultured people. With this hard work comes the pride and glory of winning their academic meets. Seniors team members Lindsay Elgin and Daniella Fierro agree that speed, winning, and knowledge are key parts of the Academic League.
While winning may be a very rewarding part, it takes a lot of hard work to get up to that point. The academic team members practice every Wednesday at lunch in English teacher Mr. Jeff McMurtry’s room. Mr. McMurtry acts as a coach for the Academic League members.
During their lunchtime practices, the team members are asked questions about various subjects, including math, science, and English. When students know the answer, they slam their hand down on their desk to simulate hitting a buzzer. The first team member to hit her desk delivers an answer to Mr. McMurtry and then the process starts all over again.
“We ask and answer questions fast and accurately,” said Lindsay.
Finally, all of the studying and hard work pays off on game night. The speed, winning, and knowledge come into play during the academic meets. The Academic League’s games are held on Thursday nights.
The members are asked numerous questions on various subjects. Their goal is to answer as many questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
The team competes against many high schools within the San Diego Diocese. “We face La Jolla, Bishops, Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, and La Jolla Country Day. We just faced University City,” said Mr. McMurtry.
“It’s five-on-five people, our school against another school. It’s like jeopardy,” said Peter Schlaht, a senior on the academic team.
The Academic League has three skill levels: freshmen, novice, and varsity. The team has members of all grades and skill levels.
“It doesn’t require for you to have been here for four years to compete on a varsity level,” said Mr. McMurtry.
The team is open to all students here at CCHS. Anyone who has a vast array of knowledge or any interest as to what the Academic League is all about can stop by Mr. McMurtry’s room on Wednesdays to check out the team.
