Academic Decathlon squad repeated as National champions
By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer
Following successful defense of its Division 2 National Academic Decathlon title in Alaska last month, members of Wilmot Union High School’s squad received praise from Gov. Scott Walker in a personal visit to the school last week, bringing redemption to one senior decathlete.
“It is really incredible to have Scott Walker come down here and visit us, because it validates winning the national championship,” senior leader Carl Simmons said Wednesday. “Everything is too close to home – with him here personally is incredible.”
Walker stated to all nine members and their family members in the school auditorium that the accomplishment sets the school apart from his alma mater, Delavan-Darien, which did not have an Academic Decathlon team at the time.
He stated the team’s effort is a testament to the students’ dedication, along with involvement from coach Don Serkowski.
“It is great to be here at Wilmot, and really nice to highlight the work that these nine students have done and their teacher/coach, not to just to win the state academic decathlon, but to win the entire nation,” Walker stated.
State Director Molly Ritchie of the Wisconsin Academic Decathlon, who was on hand during the visit, said the school’s efforts should be commended due to the high level of competition on the state level.
“We just had our 33rd state competition and Wisconsin is the fourth largest program in the nation,” Ritchie said. “We have a successful run for sure.”
In the national competition, Wilmot edged a school from Rhode Island by more than 2,000 points, collected more than 40 total medals en route to 47,606 points of a possible 60,000.
Of the nine decathletes, five are seniors, led by Simmons and Carlie Banchi in the honors division.
The other three seniors are Angela Schumacher (varsity), Ashley Dabbs (varsity) and Joey Burba (scholastic).
Additionally, a group of underclassmen played a role, including sophomores Isaac Bruley (scholastic) and Brenna Simmons (honors) along with juniors Kyle Kostrova (varsity) and Alexa Lewis (scholastic).
Wilmot captured its first national title in Garden Grove, California.
However, the national championship is coming home to Wisconsin, where Walker hopes to see the team secure a third straight title.
“It is exciting to learn that this year it will be in Madison,” Walker said.
Simmons stated the second straight title would not have been possible without team chemistry.
“We are a huge family, we get together at our families houses on the weekends,” Simmons said. “Our parents make the team a whole meal for us.”
Serkowski said, “We are very honored to have him here and recognizing the team.”