The UIL mathematics team has a goal, and it is to get back to state.
UIL Coach Anthony Newberry would like more than just mathematics to go to Austin.
“The lofty goal is to have all three teams (mathematics, calculator applications and number sense) qualify for state,” Newberry said. “I’m hoping that we can do no worse than getting two out of the three teams to state and some more individuals.”
The team members have become more excited about math competitions because their coach is excited about them.
“Newberry is a lot more hands on when teaching,” said senior Jack Chen, who is the remaining state qualifier from last year’s mathematics team. “He is very passionate, and it rubs off on us as well.”
Newberry has a long list of UIL coaching accomplishments including 37 state medalists over 26 years.
“I’ve been coaching UIL math since 1999-2000,” Newberry said, “but truth be told, I started running math team practices as a high school competitor.”
Newberry said his passion and love for mathematics is why he coaches.
“I want to give students another competitive outlet,” Newberry said, “and helping them develop persistence because struggles always occur.”
Junior Eva Thiessen said she likes to learn more about math.
Thiessen said. “In class, it’s mostly reviewing. He (Newberry) has made being on the math team enjoyable because before there really wasn’t a coach, and when I compete, I almost double my score.”
Chen said he likes to be challenged. He has received a half a dozen scholarships from Tech this year alone.
“Jack has more than tripled his score in number sense and mathematics since last March,” Newberry said. “He has scored over 200 in both contests after being around 60 in both contests at district last year.”
Newberry said Thiessen has improved a lot, approaching 200 in number sense and around 150 in mathematics.
“When I competed, I doubled my score,” Thiessen said. “I’m absolutely a nerd. People don’t care about learning as much, but I feel like more people need to be.”
The mathematics team has already surpassed its highest score from last year.
“Our highest team score in mathematics was 326 last year, and this year we’ve already scored 516 at one tournament,” Newberry said. “I believe that we will score over 600 at district. Last year we scored 202 at district, so that would be tripled.”
Chen is confident that he will make it to state.
“Getting to state is highly likely if we have a really good day; our odds are pretty likely,” Chen said. “I’m probably going to make it to state as an individual.”
The calculator application team has also improved greatly.
“In calculator applications last year at district we scored 230,” Newberry said. “I would anticipate us scoring 550 this year.”
The number sense and mathematics teams which also included senior Olivia Hicks and Geydis Cuesta Rodriguez took first overall at the Texas Tech meet on March 1.
“Olivia Hicks, Kytzia Hermosillo and Brett Boyles have made steady improvements,” Newberry said. “Olivia and Kytzia had never done math team in high school and are big contributors on a team that I think will qualify for state. In calculator applications, Grace Howard, Geydis Cuesta Rodriguez and Peyton Casey are all making a big push in the past month or two, and I think we have chance of making state. Their recent growth has been amazing.”
Newberry also praised his younger team members.
“Sophie Guenther, Mason Rochelle and Tristan Stirred have flashed at times this year,” Newberry said. “I have high hopes for them.”
The three math teams will compete in a last practice meet in Brock on March 6 and 7 before the district meet in Monahans on March 26.
