BEAUMONT.  Elsinore High School has won First Place in the 34^th Annual County Academic Decathlon, breaking an 18-year stronghold over Hemet and West Valley High Schools. For years, EHS teams have consistently finished third and second place, holding their own, but resolved to be the best next time.

“In my twelfth year of coaching we finally got it done. I am so proud of this team,” said EHS teacher Ryan Klopp. “This year’s team worked the most ambitious calendar I’ve ever demanded. My students never complained about the commitment and sacrifice—even asking for more work—I am in awe of this special group!”

Stan Crippen, LEUSD Board of Trustees Clerk, praised the team and Mr. Klopp’s guidance, “Very few coaches get the opportunity to win ‘CIF’ and you have accomplished it. Do not underestimate the influence that a powerful teacher and coach has. The team did the work, but you lit the fuse and sustained it. We are proud and grateful for the entire team and you.”

Related team accomplishments include setting the Riverside County 10 event total score record by over 1000 points, and breaking the EHS school record by 1800 points. Though EHS came in second in the Super Quiz, the team set a new EHS medal record count: eight out of nine members won at least one medal and several multiple awards. Based on scores in written competition, individual medals are awarded in the categories of mathematics, economics, art, music, literature, science, social science, and the Super Quiz. A team roster and medalist list is below.

According to event sponsor Riverside County Office of Education, twenty-two high school teams competed in the final round of the 34^th Academic Decathlon held at Beaumont High School. West Valley took second and Hemet High finished third. Elsinore High will represent Riverside County at the California Academic Decathlon to be held in Sacramento on March 23-26, 2017.

The 2017 EHS Academic Decathlon team: