MHS Academic Team

MHS Academic Team
Posted on 03/17/2022

MHS Academic Team Ready For More
By: Dale Schenewerk
#BulldogNationAheadofthePack

     The Mexico High School Academic Team is headed into the home stretch this year and its rally cry is that they are "ready for more."  For each member, that phrase means something different.
     For 4-year varsity member, senior Sydney Moeller, it means winning another District Championship.   Sydney is the only remaining member from the 2019 team that became the first Academic Team in Mexico HS history to win a District Title.  This year's District features powerhouse programs like Palmyra and Orchard Farm, but Sydney knows this team is up for the challenge.  While Mexico has yet to play Palmyra (may very well play them at the Bulldog Regional Interscholastic Challenge on March 12th), Mexico is 2 - 1 against Orchard Farm this season.
     Mexico's other senior, Zackary McWilliams, is ready for more as he wraps up his second season as team captain.  Zack moved to Mexico his sophomore year and instantly made his presence known.  That winter and spring (winter 2019, spring 2020), Mexico's Academic team had made final preparations to enter the PACE National Scholastic Competition in Chicago.
But, like almost everything else in 2020, Covid canceled those plans.  And so, when Mexico qualified for nationals by placing 8th in the 2021 MOQBA Fall Championship tournament, the path to Chicago reopened.
     For Mexico returners Declan Gleeson, Jamison Jeffries and Liam Hoyle, they are ready for another crack at rival Moberly, who shattered the Bulldogs hope of bringing home the school's first NCMC title.  Despite the tough loss, the Bulldogs took 2nd in the NCMC Conference tournament, defeating Fulton, Kirksville and Hannibal by large margins.  This is the best finish for Mexico in the last 10 seasons and matches the school's best finish.
     For the newcomers, including record-setting freshman Camden Williams, they are ready to continue this season, which has seen Mexico win second place in tournaments at South Shelby and Fair Grove along with individual wins against teams such as Washington and Springfield Kickapoo.
     For Coaches Dale Schenewerk (10th season) and Trevor Dunn (2nd season), they are ready for more of a magical season, being capped with additional work leading to Mexico's first national tournament appearance.  In a frustrating, yet successful 2nd place Conference finish, Mexico showed what they are capable of.  They learned a valuable lesson that will carry over into a tough district matchup.  Yet, Mexico looks towards Chicago... anxious for another school first.
     And that brings us to the Mexico High School and Mexico community... who are ready for more chances to see and support this budding program.  Mexico will host the Class 4 District 4 tournament at Mexico High School on April 9th.  The morning rounds will run at 9AM, 10AM and 11 AM.  The top 4 teams (10 teams are in the district) will play a 4th round at 1 PM with the District Championship game concluding the tournament at 2 PM.  Those wishing to support the Mexico High School Academic Team's journey to nationals in Chicago can join us at the Academic Team Trivia night at the High School (Sports Complex Lobby) Saturday May 7th at 6 PM.  More details will be released shortly, but the cost for a 6 person team is $90 with additional donations optional.