The Elk River math team finished just behind Blaine, earning a second-place finish in its final meet of the season.
by Trevor Hass
Sports Reporter
The Elk River math team hosted its final meet of the year Wednesday night, finishing in second place behind Blaine.
Senior Brianna Gerold came in first place overall, Haley Yoder tied for second, Alex Christensen tied for fifth and Trevor Pautzke came in 10th place for the Elks.
“I’ve been on math team for four years,” Gerold said. “Hanging out with the team is super fun, and even though we didn’t win it was still a good year.”
Gerold will attend St. Scholastica next year, where she plans to major in Math and Computer Science. Her favorite memory from her time with the math team is going to state as a junior.
She said the key to finishing in first place is a combination of practice and familiarity with the tests. She said Curt Michener teaches her and her teammates what they need to know in order to be successful.
(From left) Brianna Gerold, Haley Yoder and Trevor Pautzke all finished in the Top 10, along with Alex Christensen.
“She’s awesome,” Michener said of Herold. “She’s willing to do anything you ask, and she’s the hardest worker I’ve probably ever had. Just a positive influence in the classroom and in the school. I’m going to miss her.”
After the competition, Michener was disappointed his team didn’t make state. He knew the Elks had a shot, but they came up one point short against the Bengals.
He said he’s sad to see the seniors go, but he’s hopeful next year’s group can carry the tradition forward and lead the team back to state.
“We’ve got a tradition around here of being pretty solid in math,” Michener said. “We’ve got some new kids that want to carry it.”