The Wheatland High School academic decathlon team took first place at the State Academic Decathlon championship March 18 and 19, beating Laramie High School for top honors. They also tied with Casper Star Lane Academy for the top spot in oral Super Quiz.
All attending team members won multiple medals. Team members are Elyse Rutherford, Trigg Peasley, Cali Moody and Elizabeth Crowley in the honors bracket; Matthew Wilhelm, Quinn Lawrence, Calysta Bascus and Noah Crowley in the scholastic bracket; and Colter Kennedy and Patsy Spiker in the varsity bracket.
Two students medaled in nine of the 10 areas of study — Elyse Rutherford and Colter Kennedy. Two earned seven medals — Trigg Peasley and Matthew Wilhelm. Two others received six medals each — Quinn Lawrence and Cali Moody.
Matthew Wilhelm received the team-selected Spirit Award and a $250 scholarship for his integrity, honesty, spirit and teamwork.
In the varsity bracket, Colter Kennedy was the top scorer and received a crystal trophy and a $1,000 scholarship. In the scholastic division, Quinn Lawrence was the second highest scorer receiving a $750 scholarship, while Matthew Wilhelm earned the first-place spot, a crystal trophy and a $1,000 scholarship.
Wheatland took all three of the honors’ top spots. Cali Moody received a $500 scholarship, and Trigg Peasley earned a $750 scholarship. Elyse Rutherford was awarded $3,000 in scholarships for being the competition’s highest overall scorer. The team also received a $250 award from Taco John’s of Casper to help fund travel to nationals.
The team will travel to Frisco, Texas, for national competition April 19-21.
