Former decathlete now coaching SOH academic teams!

SOH academic teams prepare for victory


By Elma Gonzalez



The new 2009-2010 school year has brought many changes, one of them being the establishment of new coaches and advisers for the many extracurricular activities offered here at SOH. Among the many teams that received a new coach this year were the Academic Decathlon and League teams. As many are aware, SOH Academic teams have proudly represented our school in the county and state for several years. SOH Academic League has been recipient of Metro-Championship titles for more than 10 years; and the Academic Decathlon team has received more than 5 titles throughout this decade. This year Mr. Adam Orin, SOH physics teacher, has taken the challenge of coaching the team.

Raiders Digest was able to sit down with mr. Orrin and conduct the following interview.

Raiders Digest: How many years have you been teaching here at SOH?

Mr. Orin: Two years.

RD: So, why did you decide to coach Academic League and Decathlon this year?

MO: I think this program is important to the school. It is a powerful example of what students are capable of, and it also sends a message to the county that this school has amazing students!

RD: How has coaching the team been so far? Do you find it challenging?

MO: Well, yes, it is challenging. Doing something new is always challenging...

RD: Many students who wished to take AP Physics this year think you chose Decathlon and League over Physics? Is this true? If so, why did you make this choice?

MO: Well, at the time decisions were being made for the master schedule not enough students had signed up to take the class. Then, I was offered this coaching position and I decided to take it. It was too late when students suddenly began attempting to bring the class back...

RD: Did 'budget cuts' have anything to do with it?

MO: That was also a factor. There can only be certain number of classes offered.

RD: I know it has only been two weeks since you began coaching, but which do you enjoy more: Academic League or Academic Decathlon?

MO: They are very different from each other. Incomparable! They are just at very different dimensions!

RD: And is it true you were a decathlete during your high school years?

MO: Yes, I actually won second place in the speech part of the competition.

RD: Did being part of the program help you in any way later in your life?

MO: It definitely helped me develop more confidence. It also helped me in college. The knowledge and study skills I acquired while in the team were very helpful. It felt like I was going to college with an advantage...

RD: Ok, my last question. Why would you recommend students join Academic League and Decathlon?

MO: #1- It is a great experience and it prepares you for college.
#2- It is a good place to meet like-minded people.
#3- It is a good/ fun way to contribute to the school.