Criminal Masterminds

Subs are fun!

I'm really doubting that on Wednesday at this time I'll be feeling so great about Knowledge Bowl, but right now, it's all good, and that's all that matters.

So Brainerd sent three teams to Sub-Regions: the Starbellied Sneetches: Sarah G, Rianna K, Michelle T and Catherine L (now sans James and Jen Dens) which was the top of Sub Region A; the new and improved Sudoku d'etat: Logan, Sam, James and I (still sans Tay; maybe Tay is never coming back from Germany...) top of Sub Region B, and Sanitation Nation: Bryce O, Ian M, Larry L and Jeremy B (also lacking a Dens), at the bottom of Sub Region B.

Going into the competition, the entire team of Sudoku d'etat was, shall we say, arrogant about our chances to make it to Regions. We looked through the teams sitting in Rezac's room and had to contain our incredulity, which I will admit was slightly difficult. After all, maybe something really strange would happen? Didn't the third team last year make it to State for no apparent reason?

We show up at the meet 9:20-ish and the tests aren't handed out until 10. Things drag along we sit and chat, all 12 of us since every team was short a person, and I sat with the girls, because, well, let's face it; I'm outnumbered 95% of the time, so I was relishing the fact I wasn't alone. (Oh, Crystal, expect me to call you often on Wednesday)

I get the written and we start; we probably finish in about a half an hour. It wasn't a horrible written, but it wasn't super easy either. So, the amazing corrector/coordinating lady actually manages to correct all of the written rounds before we head off to the first oral round. We had a 45, which was the high, but a team in our Division had a 44, so it was going to be close.

One thing I love about Subs; you play in a power-ranked type of situation round one, and then have a chance to dominate for the rest of the time. Round one goes exceptionally well considering we faced the team with the 44; we leave that round with 17 points and they leave with 8. Other than the messed up math questions, it's all good. We're leading by a couple points after this round.

Round two was killer; we started out blazing getting 7 of the first 8 questions, and the first six. We cool down a little and end the round with 24. Now, all season long, we have not broken 20 points, so Sam, Logan, James and I were pumped about that. After this round, we're leading by 22.

Round three we played the second Little Falls team and the other Brainerd team, which is fine. We do relatively well the round; miss some pretty obvious ones and argue with the judge again about a math question. We come out of the round with 18; the second best score in the room was 7. We break 100 before the final round, which we're thrilled about.

We eat lunch; and we all remember that once you make it post season, the Knowledge Bowl people love you more and actually feed you lunch. So, pizza at lunch, and around 25 point lead. I sit with Sarah, Rianna and Michelle, and I feel horrible that they're not doing so hot. They're in fifth place in their division after the third round; only a few points out, but they'll have to have a really good last round to have a chance to come with us and the Death Eaters to Regions.

On our way up, Logan says we shouldn't answer any questions all round long, but James and I say no. Bad idea; relish the fact that you're dominant while you can. That's my motto at least.

We start the final round and do relatively okay; I never thought we were doing stellar or anything, but we end up with 21 points, which is apparently very good overall since the second highest score was 12. I know I was shocked when Sarah told me the high in their room was 8.

We hang around Washington and wait for the results; the Sneetches at this point have an outside chance at making it to Regions. Results come in, the Sneetches will not be going to Regions. We finish with 125 points; the next best score in our division 90, which is still about ten better than the top score in Division A.

So, I'll be gone on Wednesday now for Regions which are at Staples. I'd say we have a chance to make it to State; the top Little Falls team is on par if not a little worse than our team as it stands. And so, barring any surprises, I'd say we'll probably make it to State, which would be sweet. I'm very happy with the team we have going on to Regions and hopefully State. Next year's team should be pretty interesting too; if it all works out wonderfully... Max, James, Sam, Logan and I on the same team. That'd be sweet. :)

Oh, and I'm the only girl again. Damn, how did that work out? But, hey! If we make it to State, I totally get my own room. Go me!

And the best news of all, Crystal is back tomorrow! And hopefully not going to be ill on her flight, but she's back! Yay! I totally feel special because I talked to her while she was gone and Logan didn't.

posted by Kara @ 6:37 PM