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It’s tournament time for high schools all across the state...and for one team in Chisago Lakes preparation means getting fresh batteries into their calculators and packing away extra pencils. They are off to compete against the best of the best Sunday, March 8 in math league.

This will be the 20th annual state math league event. All forms of mathmatics are involved in the competition, from algebra to geometry and trig.

There are 400 students participating, according to a math league press packet. In excess of 3,000 students competed in divisional events to determine top state contenders.

Chisago Lakes is one of 50 schools sending young mathmeticians to compete in both individual and team events, at Eagan High School.

Math League Coach Kristy Skarphol is in her fourth year. She said team member Luann Benson-Lender qualified for individual competition by winning divisional competitions held five times during the school year.

Math League team members also include (pictured): Jessica Schmidt, Natasha Toworski, Glade Sietsema, Chris Hernick, Mark Buttweiler, Tyler Carlson, Henry Boeh; and not pictured-- Leah Sedlund, Aaron Berry, Chris Lundquist, Tracy Anderson, Sam Kangas and Greg Olmschenk.

Math League was founded by a Macalaster College professor Wayne Roberts, who as chair of the math-computer science department wanted to recognize and encourage Minnesota students who have an interest in mathmatics. Following state finals, there are national (U.S.A. Olympiad) and international events (International Mathmatics Olympiad) that the students may continue on to compete in.

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