Inter-Lakes defends state championship title in NH

By Guest Blogger Dan Hebert, New Hampshire LifeSmarts Coordinator

On March 10th, Inter-lakes High School from Meredith, NH successfully defended its state championship title at the 2010 New Hampshire LifeSmarts State Championship. But the victory did not come easily.

The team from Newfound Regional High School from Bristol, NH – a first-time finalist – overcame first-round jitters by winning the wildcard elimination round followed by a victory in the semi-final round. As soon as their semi-final match concluded, they were back on the stage for the championship match.

Newfound Regional team members - Adam Swain, Chris Woolsey, Tyler Parker, Brooks Bergholm, Justine Bauer and their coaches, Sheila Miller and Susan Blake – battled back and forth with the Inter-Lakes team. The tension and drama increased with every question, and the score remained tied through most of the Challenge Round.

The title was determined by the final question. With Inter-Lakes leading by five points, they buzzed in first, earning the right to answer the question – which they answered incorrectly. Newfound calmly waited for the entire question to be read and then provided an answer that resulted in a long deliberation by the judges. The atmosphere in the room was incredibily tense. The judges ultimately ruled the answer as incorrect, giving Inter-Lakes the victory. The room exploded in excitement and both teams demonstrated an amazing display of good sportsmanship and compassion.

Inter-Lakes team members - Tim Quinney, Ryan Chappuis, Austin Hart, Teddy Willey, Galen Muskat and coach Charles Bates – are now focused on the Nationals in Miami. This year’s state experience should serve them well in the pressure of the national stage.