Decathletes at head of class
Team earns record score
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

BRIGHTEST AND BEST- Above, the Moorpark Academic Decathlon team takes center stage after earning first place in the Super Quiz. The students are wearing the bronze, silver or gold medals they won for individual top scores in the competition's 10 events. Right, Moorpark High School Principal Kirk Miyashiro and his wife Joanie display the team's first-place trophy. ELLEN SMITH/Special to the Acorn

A team of nine Moorpark students topped the national charts with a record-breaking score at the 29th California State Academic Decathlon competition in Sacramento last weekend. On their way to the state title they accumulated 52,879 out of a possible 60,000 points.

"Moorpark's score is the highest recorded score in the nation and of all time," said Ken Scarberry, executive director for the California Academic Decathlon. "No team has hit that score."

The group of students succeeded, he said, because they believed in their coach, Larry Jones; followed his instructions; and worked so well together.

Moorpark will represent California at the national competition in Orange County next month not only as an academic decathlon team, Scarberry said, but also as a team with high regard for respect and friendship.

"It appears that Moorpark students also established their group on a fundamental building block of friendship. They trusted each other and counted on each other for support and encouragement," he said.

The local decathletes are Jonah Buck, Christie Calle, Colin Calle, Anaamika Campeau, Angela Chen, Justine Levan, Chrissa Rutkai, Kris Sankaran and Paul Watanabe.

"Winning the California Academic Decathlon championship is a clear demonstration of the supreme academic prowess of nine outstanding Moorpark High School students," said Superintendent Ellen Smith, who traveled to Sacramento to see the team compete.

"This is extraordinary," said Moorpark Unified School District Boardmember Mindy Yaras.

"This is a district that works hand in hand with parents, which proves to be an ingredient for success," she added.

PARENTAL SUPPORT- Some of the mothers of the students on the academic decathlon team cheer on their kids. The parents provided meals and snacks for the team during the months of study prior to the contest, and also gave logistical support for the travel, meals and events during the five days the team spent in Sacramento. ELLEN SMITH/Special to the Acorn

"Larry Jones is like the little engine that could," said school board member Ron LaGuardia. "He leads the Aca Deca team train year after year, chugging up mountains and through valleys. We are fortunate to have him and other faculty members who motivate young people to reach their full potential in our school district," he said.

Moorpark decathletes have a history of success. They've won county championships nine times since 1994 and won the state contest in 1999, 2002 and 2003. They are two-time national champions, winning in 1999 and 2003.

"The kids are great. It was such a wellrounded performance," said Coach Jones. "All nine students scored over 8,000 points. They also all obtained multiple medals, which never happened before," he said.

The team is overjoyed at winning the state title- but the celebration won't go on for long.

"We'll be spending spring break in the classroom," Jones said.

The group has a few weeks to prepare for the national competition that will take place in Garden Grove from April 30 to May 3.

"It will be 40th anniversary of the Aca Deca, which started in Orange County," Jones said.

The coach expects tough competition during the final contest. Results can change in a minute over minor details, he said, as he evaluated the results of teams from Texas, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Moorpark students won the honor division, with Kris Sankaran, scoring 9,135.1 points and Paul Watanabe 9,009.2 points.

Two team members also received special recognition from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at the first annual Governor's Academic Recognition dinner last Tuesday. Kris Sankaran and John Grasel, a member of the B team, were selected for the honor for the high marks they earned in the county contest last month