Bigger, stronger, smarter: Greybull’s Academic Challenge team starts fast, wins tourney in Cheyenne

Coming off a small school state championship and second overall finish last year, Greybull High School’s Academic Challenge team started this season with a first-place win at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne on Nov. 1. 

With 21 students out for the season, Greybull was able to fill three teams, the first of which won in small schools and overall. 

“This is the most (students) I have been able to bring to any competition since I have been coaching,” coach Jonathan Cauffman said. 

Returning from last year’s championship team are Bradin Ewen and Lucian Hoffman, who were joined by Cooper Nelson for their opening victory. The Buffs scored 475 points, topping second place team, Cheyenne Central, by 60. In total, Greybull was able to win over 15 teams from nine different schools. 

Greybull’s second team consisted of Devlan Hoflund, Madison Winters, Triston Gross, and Cody Myers. Team three included Jack Pharaoh, Sam Campos, Emma Williams and Liam Wisehart.

“While these two teams didn’t have as much success as our other team, they still did well,” Cauffman said. “They gained valuable experience and got better every round. For most of these students, this is their first year competing in Academic Challenge. However, this is a great start to our season, and we are looking forward to our next competition.”

Up next, the Buffs will travel to Thermopolis High School on Dec. 6.