Academic Decathlon
AcaDeca wins state; Meduna wins individual title
Pius X has won its sixth state title in 13 years. Julius Meduna was the highest scoring student in the entire competition.
Pius X was trailing Mount Michael and Creighton Prep before the final event, the Super Quiz, but rallied and scored enough to claim the title, and the team is excited to be headed to Nationals in April in Frisco, Texas, to represent the state of Nebraska.
Students began studying last summer, study through their fifth period study hall and lunch, and during many after school sessions.
Team members include:
– Honors: Julius Meduna, Dominic Oldenburg, Clair Villa / Alternate: Cate Barry
– Scholastic: Lucas Klein, Charlie Kotopka, Dillon Kruse / Alternate: Joe Werner
– Varsity: Marcus Richter, Seth Berens, Tobias Jordan / Alternate: Riley Shaw
– Coaches: Ann Kotopka and Mike Katalenich / Assisted by Jean Timmerman and Judy Fulton
– Team Assistants: Alexis Montecuollo and Alvin Luu

About AcaDeca
Academic Decathlon is an accelerated and intensive year-long course of study in science, social studies, math, English (literature, critical reading, and writing), art, music, speech and economics. A new theme focuses the study each year, so a student may take this course more than once. Students are encouraged to participate in at least one scrimmage the first semester. A select group of twelve students will compete in Regional, and if successful, State, and possibly National Competitions. Because students in Academic Decathlon must come from three academic levels (A, B, and C or below) as determined by selected portions of their GPA, students of varying ability and grade will be in class together. Grading standards for this course are adjusted for grade and ability. Summer reading is encouraged.
Coaches and Assistants
Coaches: Ann Kotopka and Mike Katalenich / Assisted by Jean Timmerman and Judy Fulton
Team Assistants: Alexis Montecuollo and Alvin Luu