Academic Team 5th again!

For the 3rd year in row your Jefferson Academic Team finished 5th in the country down here in Atlanta at the Community College Championship Tournament. It was quite a tournament, we opened pool play 4-1 last night to advance to the top bracket, increased our record to 7-2, and had we won either of our last 2 matches after lunch we would have had a shot at the title game. We defeated the overall #2 team (3 time defending Champion Chipola) on the last question, and beat overall #3 Broward as well. I am obviously thrilled with our accomplishments this year - we entered the field as the 14th ranked team, and were a few questions away from finishing in the top 2. The good news is that we probably have about all but a few of my 13 players coming back next year - this was supposed to be a rebuilding year after losing our two top scorers last year. There are only 2 other community colleges (Valencia and Chipola) who can boast top 5 finishes for the last 3 years in a row. We were the only non-Florida college in the top bracket.

Congrats to Eric Bradley for winning an individual scoring award - 12th in the country at 37 ppg. Also playing well were Marion Eicholtz (32nd), Brandon Beavon (34th) and Katie Edwards (53rd). Also making the trip but not playing were Kim Bentley, Joseph Moffett, Sean Burba, Alisha Wheat, Cody Young, and William Edwards. Not able to make the trip but playing this year were Jordan Woosley, Jason White, and Holly McTaggart. Please congratulate all on their fine accomplishments all year long. We really have something special going and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Also thanks to my Assistant Coach Amy Sprinkle, and my new Assistant Liz Boyd, who joined us on the trip. And thanks to all faculty and staff who have shown great support throughout the year. Thanks also to Dr. Newberry who was able to join us down here. It really is a college wide effort.

For those interested Valencia beat Chipola in the finals to win the national championship.