Expectations High for CMS Academic Team Friday, February 06, 2009 By Zalak Patel [ArticleImageHyperLink] Advertising Do you know who the 8th president of the United States of America is without looking up the answer? If you guessed Martin van Buren, congratulations. If you guessed incorrectly, don't worry because most of us don't know the answer to this question. However, the students on the Cameron Middle School Academic Team could answer that question at a moment's notice.   The CMS Academic Team is made up of 18 students, 9 seventh-graders and 9 eighth-graders. The try-outs were held on January 8-9 and 45 students who tried out.   "I wish we could have all who tried out on the team, but unfortunately that is not possible," said Academic Team Coach Mrs.Sweiger, who also teaches seventh-grade Reading. The other coaches are Mr.Roper, seventh-grade social studies teacher, and Mr.Smith, eighth-grade social studies teacher.   Last year, the team almost went undefeated, only losing a couple of matches. Since the team did so well last year, the pressure is on this year's team to do just as well or better. No one on the team is short of confidence to do well though.   "We'll probably do pretty good; we have a strong team," said Eighth-Grader Aaron Hahn. This is Aaron's second year on the team.   Like Aaron, this is also Eighth-Grader Court Ott's second year. "I think we'll do well and almost go undefeated, or close to it."   Eighth-Grader Adam Ussher agrees with both Aaron and Court the team will do well. Adam made a bold prediction and said he thought the team will have an undefeated season. Adam was on the team last year also.   Not only are the students confident in their team this year, but the coaches are as well.   Mr.Smith explained he thought the eighth-graders, being experienced, would shine through, but the seventh-graders this year are strong too.   "We have a very enthusiatic team, willing to work hard every day. I anticipate a great year!" predicted Mrs.Sweiger. "We consider it a great honor to work with such highly motivated students, plus it will be a lot of fun!"   The CMS Academic Team began their season a few weeks ago. On January 27, they played Chillicothe at home and won both matches. The final score was Cameron-645 points and Chillicothe-220 points. On January 29, Cameron played at Polo. Cameron won one game and lost one game. The final score was Cameron-465 points and Polo-365. Since Cameron had more points, the meet went as a victory for Cameron.   The next home game for Cameron will be on Monday February 23 against Hamilton. The match will be held in the Cameron Middle School Library at 4:00. Go and support the dragons!

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