Manassas Park High Academic Team Ranked No. 3 in State

The Manassas Park High School Academic Team earned a number three ranking after competing against several teams from all across the commonwealth in Williamsburg Saturday.

 The 17-member team came into the match boasting the best season in its history and ranked as one of the top eight teams in Virginia.

 The team suffered defeat only once Saturday, in a match with Nandua High School, Manassas Park High School Academic Team coach Ray Morelli said.

 “After losing our first match, we rallied back to place third and put in a great showing, considering it was our school’s first -ever appearance at such a large venue,” Morelli said.

 Aside from this year, the team’s best record was last year, when it finished the season at 6-9.

 The team had a 10-5 record going into Saturday’s competition.

 Morelli said a dedicated group of faculty, a guidance counselor and Manassas Park City Schools Superintendent Dr. Bruce McDade made the journey to Williamsburg to support the team.

 McDade said Sunday that the team’s accomplishments will be recognized Monday at the regular meeting of the school board.

 “I feel privilege to work at a school and (in) a community of individuals who recognize not only just our great athletics, but our great scholars as well,” Morelli said.

 Morelli has been coaching the team for six years and is assisted by Manassas Park High School advanced placement biology teacher Jenifer Bryant.

Here is a list of the students on the 2010-2011 academic team.

Freshmen:  Chris Hoffa, Faysal Shaikh, Ruby Kahlon, Karen Xu

Sophomores: Stephanie Buck, Harris Iqbal and Hunter Wichelt

Juniors: Saviel de la Cruz,  Amoalk Kahlon, Jaime Martinez

Senior: Frank Kasik
State tournament  starters: Senior captain Warren Sears, sophomore Kelsey Dyer, juniors Josh Morgan and Kitty Nguyen, senior James Hicks.