I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge
and prodding with so many wonderful memories!
University of Alabama High School Physics Competition
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
February 1, 2002
UMS-Wright Preparatory School placed two teams among the top three teams for a third consecutive year at the 26th Annual University of Alabama High School Physics Contest on Friday, February 1, 2002 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.. More than 25 schools, sixty teams and 240 of the best Physics students from three southeastern states participated. The competition was fierce and the UMS-Wright A-Team remained in a dead tie for first with the Mississippi School of Math and Science through 16 rounds until a final "overtime round".
During the regular competitive rounds one table captain gave a wrong question to one of the 60 teams. The score for this round was subtracted and an over-time round replaced this score. An overall tie for first place with the Mississippi School of Math and Science was narrowly missed by one question. Only 1 point separated UMS-Wright from a 1st Place finish in the regular school division.
The UMS-Wright Physics A-Team won 2nd Place and the B-Team won 3rd Place at the 26th Annual Alabama High School Physics Competition. Perfect performances were scored by Michael Owens, Brantley Beaird and Dima Zakharov. The A Team included Brantley Beaird, Michael Owens, Hunter Shain and Larry Hu. The B-Team competitors included Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Matt Meduna and Dima Zakharov.
Top 25%: Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Dima Zakharov
Matt Meduna, Larry Hu, Richard Friedman
UMS-Wright students also collected a number of individual awards. Michael Owens (a junior) won the individual 6th place while Hunter Shain and Brantley Beaird also finished among the top 10% of the physics student competitors.
Dr. Tim Burgess, observed “The team this year scored enough points during the regular rounds of the competition to win first among all schools. It is difficult to accept falling short of 1st Place by a single point in an overtime round. I am proud of the effort and skills displayed by our teams. It is a tremendous accomplishment for any school to finish among the top three schools for four consecutive years as our UMS-Wright students have. These students deserve many kudos.”
Left Picture: UMS-W Physics A-Team just before Physics Contest
Larry Hu, Michael Owens, Brantley Beaird, Hunter Shain
Right Picture: UMS-W Physics B-Team just before Physics Contest
Results:
UMS-Wright A-Team Members:
Hunter Shain, Brantley Beaird, Michael Owens, Larry Hu
UMS-Wright B-Team Members:
Luke Burgess, Adam Georgas, Matt Meduan, Dima Zakharov
Alternates: Jeb Bailey
Individual Awards:
Tied for 6th: Michael Owens (Junior)
Top 10%: Brantley Beaird, Hunter Shain, Michael Owens
Sponsor: Dr. Tim Burgess
Notes (score as of day of competition):
1st: Randolph High (61)
2nd UMS-W A (60)
3rd UMS-W B (53)
8th McGill-Toolen (32)
Overall 1st: Mississippi School of Math & Science (65)
