Students plus math skills equal competition at state level
By MICHAEL YATES
MHS student reporter
If you asked the average Marion High School student what they thought of the math team, you'd probably get a response like, "What math team?"
The MHS Math Team may possibly be the school's best-kept secret. However, talented math students are hoping to change all that with excellent performances and outstanding abilities.
Gary Stuchlik has been teaching math for 10 years, seven of which have been at MHS. He is the sponsor and adviser of the MHS Math Team. This is Stuchlik's fifth year coaching the team.
Team members travel to Emporia where they enter a large auditorium with an overhead projection on the wall. Math problems, which are typically very difficult and complicated, are then put on the wall via the projector.
Members are given a short amount of time to complete the problem, and if a correct answer is given, the team receives points varying per question, based on difficulty. There are three students per team, and a number of different teams with ranging specialties. Students are usually selected based on superior math skills and teacher recommendations.
Three teams competed Wednesday in the annual math competition at Emporia. The Math Scrabble Team of James Davis, Brian Bina, and Matt Rhodes, all seniors, scored six points. The algebra team of Caitlin O'Dell, Rebecca Savage, and Amy Tajchman, all juniors, scored 10 points. The geometry team, made up of juniors Sarah Davidson, Tyler Stubenhofer, and senior Kayla Barrett, scored 20 points.
"It's pretty dang hard," said Davidson.
Due to the complexity of the problems, along with pressures from time limits, even scoring one point is a rather big accomplishment.
"You didn't have to win the contest to feel good when you answered some really hard questions," said Stuchlik.
Though years ago math teams seemed to only be for the "geeky" nerds of the school, the popularity of the math team nowadays seems to actually be on the rise.
"I think I had more difficulties getting students to attend years ago then I do today," said Stuchlik. "I think interest has increased," he added.
One possible reason the team has gained such popularity may be that students attending such contests are becoming more and more aware of the benefits a meet like this provides.
Davidson commented about such benefits, saying how she enjoys the "real-life math problems" and meeting some "pretty smart people from other schools."
Bina also added the competition can be advantageous to participants by "teaching them they have a lot more to learn" and can be used to "tell how well the students are doing."
"It gives them a feel for some challenging math questions," said Stuchlik.
All-in-all team members seem to agree the day is enjoyable and well spent.
"I get good comments back that they enjoy the day," said Stuchlik. Bina agreed, "It was a lot of fun."
Students wishing to challenge their math skills later in the year should talk to Stuchlik about the upcoming tournament in the spring. "You might as well go for it because it's a lot of fun," Davidson concluded.
