ECMS Continues Success With Another District Championship Win

Teams Win Unprecedented 22nd Consecutive District Title

(Bottom Row L - R) Colton Durbin, Evelyn Ulm, Aidan Meredith. (Top Row L - R) Coach Nick Skaggs, Thomas James, Brayden Johnson, Ethan Pinet, Josie Denham

Darren Doyle, story: photos submitted:
The Edmonson County Middle School Academic Team won their 22nd consecutive (yes, that's 22 years in a row) quick recall district championship on Saturday, January 15th at St. Joseph's School in Bowling Green. 

The Wildcats defeated Henry F. Moss Middle School 27-16 in round one and won over Drakes Creek Middle in round two, 35-20.

After a bye in round three, they played Drakes Creek again in the finals, which was double elimination. After losing a tight match 25-23, the Cats bounced back to claim another consecutive district title in a span that now stretches more than two decades.

Written Assessment Winners: (L - R) Thomas James, Brayden Johnson, Ethan Pinet, Evelyn Ulm.

In addition to the team accolade, four individuals from the team advanced in written assessment areas, which included:

• Brayden Johnson, 1st place in both language arts and arts & humanities
• Thomas James, 2nd place in science
• Evelyn Ulm, 2nd place in mathematics
• Ethan Pinet, 4th place in social studies

Head Coach Nick Skaggs credited the team not only for their hard work all season long, but also for keeping focus after a loss in the finals.

"It would have been easy to let down in the final game, after losing the round four game," he said, "but the team wanted the championship and came out ready to play in that final game. They were determined to win and they played very well." 

ECMS Principal Brandon Prunty described the accomplishments of the team as "amazing."

"Even through these crazy last two years, Mr. Skaggs has found ways to continue to work with his team and motivate them to keep working hard," said Prunty. "It hasn’t always been easy, but they’ve pushed through the challenges and found a way to continue the tradition of success for ECMS.  I am so proud of them all."

The 22-year streak goes all the way back to Coach Skaggs' 8th grade year, when he was a member of the team in the 2000-2001 season.

"The program has has a couple of close calls over the years, including this season, but we’ve pulled it out every year," Coach Skaggs said.