When most people think of after-school activities, they usually think of programs like football, basketball and baseball. However, there are other, less-glorified activities. One of these is Academic Decathlon.

Academic Decathlon is a test of intelligence, skill, and knowledge spanning multiple subjects and all grade levels and GPAs.

It’s important to make note of GPAs, since they are the most important aspect of the competition. Sections are separated by GPA, making people of similar skills compete with each other. Because teams usually have mostly 4.0 students, the most important students end up being the ones below 4.0, since that is where skill level varies the most.

These sub-4.0 students are going to be the most important part of this year’s team, since there are only 4 returning members.

On top of this, the team was forced to switch leagues. Because of the lack of schools competing in Academic Decathlon, the Rocklin team was forced to enter in the Sacramento section.

In competitions, you meet in schools and compete in events. The top 3 scores win medals. Once you compete, you are on the team, but there are only nine spots to represent the school at the regional level.

It’s not cheap to compete, but the team covers the whole cost. Unlike Speech and Debate, there are no costs to entering a tournament. Most of the costs get payed by the District Office. Mr. Knight, the team coach, says that they are grateful for any support.

But why compete anyway? Obviously, many colleges look for Academic Decathlon. But beyond the shiny metal and pride, what is there to it?

Sara Yeager, a team veteran, says that “It gives me a chance to learn something outside the school curriculum”.

Connor Knight, another team member, says that “It’s a learning experience… and it’s fun to compete against other people”.

But it’s not all about the learning and competition, sometimes, it’s just about Rocklin.

An anonymous team mate says “Rocklin knows how to have fun at competitions”.