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WILTON, Conn. After a close match, Wilton High School's MSG Varsity Challenge Team came out victorious in the second round of the Connecticut division.
The team topped Jonathan Law High School, 370-330, in the televised match that aired Tuesday night. The close score of this second match was in sharp contrast to its first match in which the team beat Brien McMahon High School by nearly 300 points, 455-170.
Were feeling pretty good, senior Will Jankowski said about the win.
I feel that winning by such a small margin made it an incredibly thrilling match, said Mohsin Jawed, a senior at Wilton High School. The past two matches have been a blast, he said. This year its just been a lot of fun.
What was nice, they all said, was having their classmates in the audience cheering them. Team captain and senior Simon Brewer said it added a little bit more pressure. There was more energy in the air. But, he said, it was good energy.
I think they went in there with a certain amount of confidence because theyre really smart kids, said Terry Ragazzini, the teams academic adviser. When she chooses the teams, she said she looks for students with a diversity of knowledge. She wants someone who knows about Broadway and another who knows about physics.
I try to find a balance with the kids participating, Ragazzini said.
Brewer said, Weve sort of divvied up areas. Jankowski is studying musicals, Brewer will be looking at the 100 best books and Jawed is learning about art and architecture.
But, Brewer said, theyll also be working on their buzzer skills after the school got a new system. Its really based on how good your reaction times are, Jankowski said.
Overall, the students say they enjoy the atmosphere and challenge of being on "The Challenge."
I love the atmosphere of the studio, being there. Ever since I was little Ive been in love with games and challenges, stuff like that, said Jack Jankowski, a junior and the team's alternate.
And the youngest and only girl on the team Molly Hoch agreed. Her brother, Jason Hoch, was on the "Challenge" team four years ago when the team won the Connecticut division. She said he didnt push her to join the team, but its a little intimidating being the youngest.
They all say theyre looking forward to their next match. The opponent and time have not yet been announced.
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