The scratching of pencils filled the stadium like a steady broadcast, each student locked into their own story. Focus and stress hung so thick it felt tangible. A pencil snapped, the sharp crack echoing across the room like a distant call in the mountains. The bleachers creaked and popped with every small shift in movement. This was the atmosphere that the math team members experienced at the SIU Math Field Day Competition.
The competition began early in the morning and lasted throughout the entire school day. Students competed in a variety of categories, ranging from algebra to calculus, each section testing different levels of skill and problem-solving. While the pressure was intense, competitors stayed focused, working through each problem with determination.
Tyler Dodson (12) shared how he prepared leading up to the event. “I did a few practice tests before the competition, but currently we are focusing on the state competition and preparing for it,” Dodson said. His preparation, along with his team’s mindset, showed that while the SIU competition was important, they are already looking ahead to future opportunities.
Throughout the afternoon, as the results began rolling in, Herrin’s competitors dominated the competition. The team won first in their respective division, defeating many tough rival teams. Individually, Herrin also had a multitude of standout students. In the senior division, Jack Parrish earned an honorable mention, and Tyler Dodson placed third. For the junior division, Michael Bergman placed eighth, Asher Barlage seventh, and Logan Groves third. Among the sophomore division, Garrett Grant earned an honorable mention, while Miles Ellet placed ninth, Kari Eggemeyer fifth, and Nathan Jones third. Additionally, in the freshman division, Cole Brandon placed sixth and Cole Walker fifth.
Sarah Johnson (12) explained that the most challenging part of the competition was “how different it is from the others we compete in”. Her experience reflected the difficulty of the problems and the time pressure that came with each section.
Braden Davis (12) reflected on what he learned from the experience, stating, “I learned that teamwork is essential throughout the competition. Even though everyone takes the test individually, a team needs a strong performance from all grades in order to win. That is definitely something we achieved: teamwork.” The competition gave students a chance to grow, not just academically but also in how they handle high-pressure situations.
Math team advisor Mr. Kyle Harlow offered advice to students who may want to compete in the future: “Work hard, stay focused, and keep math a priority”. His guidance highlights the importance of preparation, confidence, and teamwork in events like these.
As the day came to a close, the sounds of pencils and quiet concentration faded, but the experience left a lasting impression on everyone involved. For many of these students, this competition was just one step toward even bigger goals ahead. The math team members will make their trek to the ICTM State Math Contest in Bloomington on April 17.
