Redlands Community College’s Academic Team has fielded multiple squads this season, culminating with three teams competing at the NAQT Community College Championship Tournament. This year Redlands’ A team finished in fourth place, earning an invitation to the Intercollegiate Championship Tournament in April for the third time in program history.
“I am so proud of these students,” said Cherry Rain, Academic Team coach. “All of them have worked so hard for the past several months and have carried on the Redlands’ tradition by earning a spot at NAQT for the 12th time.”
Twenty-four teams competed in the national tournament, and Redlands’ A team finished 8-3. Team A included Keira Flenniken, Yukon; Paige Karmun, Yukon; James Nguyen, Mustang; and Brody Sadler, Okarche, and two students finished in the top 10 individually. Flenniken placed fifth, and Sadler placed ninth.
“Playing at nationals was such an incredible experience,” Flenniken said. “The team has put so much effort into improving over the past several months, and seeing it reflected in our performance was so gratifying. I couldn't ask for better or more dedicated teammates, and I can't wait to see how our team continues to grow."
The team will travel to Chicago next month to compete in the Intercollegiate Championship Tournament against Division II teams, including Yale, Purdue, New York University and Cornell.
Team members include Kylie Bailey, Okarche; James Daughety, Calumet; Keira Flenniken, Yukon; Paige Karmun, Yukon; James Nguyen, Mustang; Daley Rain, Oklahoma City; Brody Sadler, Okarche; C.J.Sershon, Mustang; Grace Starks, El Reno; Ben Weeks, Yukon; Alvaro Valles, Hennessey; and Alexis Vanwinkle; Glenpool.