In what proved to be the final TEAMS events for Bridgeport High School Coach Barbara Judy, her students did what they always did – performed well. Despite a limited field of competitors, the Indians were only topped by two other schools.

 

The TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) event was originally set for Feb. 21, but moved to this past weekend due to inclement weather. Because of that, Judy said teams were not as robust as usual and even BHS competed with a smaller group.

 

Parkersburg sent two varsity teams and two junior varsity teams to the event. University had three varsity squads and two junior varsity squads. BHS had one varsity team, which consisted of seven players instead of the standard eight competitors.

 

“They did a great job in the competition,” said Judy. “Despite being a member short, they were defeated by only one team from Parkersburg and University High.”

 

The competition consisted of a three-hour written test on Saturday on the campus of West Virginia University. That test is composed by the Technology Students Association and hosted by the Freshmen Engineering Department at WVU.  Cate Schlobolm has been the coordinator for the last three years.

 

“Participating in TEAMS for the past three years has been a great experience. I have learned so much and have become very interested in engineering. We worked very well as a team this year, and it was great to place after working so hard. I hope that we can do it again next year," said Amna Haque, who has been a standout for the program.

 

This year, the topics centered on energy. Judy said problems involved solar power, nuclear power safety and nuclear waste disposal, alternate fuels, hydropower, smart homes, wind energy and energy and the environment. 

 

“According to the students, the hydropower and nuclear power were quite difficult with the others being slightly easier,” said Judy.

 

Along with the written portion that is done in a group setting, which is graded later, the team did 10 multiple choice questions. Only four points separated the top squads – University and Parkersburg – and Bridgeport.

 

“It was a very close contest,” said Judy.

 

For Judy, it was another final chapter in her decades as an academic coach at the school. Her career includes nearly 40 state and even two national titles.

 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jonathan Kinney who has been our engineering mentor for the last vie years as well as several other engineers who have helped us through the last 20 years,” said Judy.

 

Editor’s Note: Pictured at the top is the TEAMS group in Morgantown. Front row, from left, is Noah Romay, Lynsey Soule, Amna Haque and Soffia Lateef.  Back row, from left, is Fisher Rector, Jack Funk and Troy Pallay. Bottom photo is a file shot of Barbara Judy.