Academic teams work hard to prepare for their competitions. And while they may not put in the physical work like other sports teams do, they definitely put in a lot of mental effort and preparation. Brian Lively is the head coach of the Academic Team at Mangum High School. The team has enjoyed their share of success over the years, but Lively says watching the team pull out big wins is always the most fun.
“It may seem silly to think of an academic team that grinds out wins, but it may be the best description of how our team plays,” coach Lively said. “We’ve enjoyed some success over the past ten years, making it to area in eight of those and state once in 2020, but the thing I most enjoy about coaching is watching a team come together and gain confidence. Our best matches have usually come during regionals and area, which is when teams are supposed to be playing their best.”
Senior Connor Stidham is the team captain this season, a role he has filled for two seasons. He is an outstanding leader and a solid member of the team.
Harrison Gordon is a junior and he is a unique part of the team.
“As an Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics student, Harrison still plays with us for our weekend OSSAA meets,” Lively said. “However, he committed himself to joining us for our two mid-week conference meets, which certainly benefited our team and aided us in tallying an 8-4 conference record. His individual point total qualified him as one of our conference All-Stars. Our other players were up to the task, but having Harrison with us gave the team a ‘the gang’s all here’ vibe.”
Eldon Rankins, a freshman, has played primarily as a speed round player; when certain topics come up, the team and Lively know that he can assist with his level of expertise. He balances the Academic Bowl while also playing basketball, which is not always an easy task.
Junior Sierra Shrum is a very competitive player but she does not play out of control. She understands and practices the values of respect and determination, which are part of the culture that the team embodies. She is a tremendous help during matches, and she looks to play a bigger leadership role next season.
Our other team members are seniors Kiera McGill, Nathan Kendall, and Mercedes Escobedo; junior Jayden Niles; sophomores Daegan Leamon-Webb and Conner Lively; and freshmen BB Bougere, and Kyler Dobbins.
