By Matthew Brotherton - News Manager
The University of the Cumberlands’ Academic Team, a competitor in the Kentucky Collegiate Quick Recall League, had a great and well-played season this year. According to Dr. Al Pilant, a professor of History and Cumberlands’ Academic Team coach: “We played a great year, and our success at our final meet in Georgetown proves that.”
The academic team played its final match at Georgetown University in Georgetown, Ky. on April 5, 2008. Throughout the course of the day, the Division II team brought home a second place finish for the tournament, and the Division I team took third.
Competition is at two levels: Divition I in which anyone can participate and Division II which is only open for freshman and sophomores. In addition, Division I brought home a trophy for finishing second overall in the standings for the year.
Cumberlands’ team played several other teams across the state at various matches throughout the year. When asked which teams “posed a threat” to Cumberland winning a tournament, Dr. Pilant said that there were two that consistently “frighten” UC: Georgetown and Transylvania. “For a team that practices like we do,” said Pilant, “not six and eight hours a week like other schools we play, but just an hour one day a week, we did quite alright.”
This tournament marks the first time this year that UC’s Division II team brought home a plaque. “We are very pleased with our Division II team; they have finally found their way.” Division I have won several matches throughout the year, but this will be the last one for graduating academic team captain Mary Osbourne.
In looking forward to next year, Pilant said, “We are looking for freshman next year, and three have already committed to being on the team. We will also work harder on not being afraid to buzz in with an answer. All in all, I think that we will have a great team next year.”
For more information or questions regarding the academic team, contact Dr. Pilant at extension 4461 or at apilant@ucumberlands.edu.
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