Becoming a 5A school this year has not only impacted sports like football and softball but who students compete against during Academic UIL. The realignment brings a new challenge to competitors who have gotten used to competing against the same schools. This year, there has also been fewer practice meets in the area in which students could participate. The practice meets on Jan. 14 is the last meet students can compete in before the district meet on March 24.
“I’m unsure of what to expect from the new competition but I’m hoping things will turn out well,” senior Ruben Rueda said. “I’m hoping my experience from last year, and my recent studies will help me to start off strong in this upcoming practice meet in the Spelling and Vocabulary category.”
Last UIL season, Rueda competed in district, region, and even made it to the state competition, which was held in Austin, in the Spelling and Vocabulary category. At the next meet, Rueda plans to compete again in Spelling and Vocabulary as well as Calculator Applications and Copy Editing.
“The competition at the State level was insane,” Rueda said. “I was amazed by the evident expertise that everyone else I was going against had; everyone’s scores were super high. It’s certainly crazy the UIL Academics Season is right around the corner, and I’m excited to compete again this year.”
