Sacramento High School Students Win Regional Science Competition

By Kelly Ryan

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Students from a Sacramento high school have won a regional science competition and secured a spot in the finals in Washington, D.C.

In this science bowl competition, it's more than just knowing a large field of knowledge in areas including biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics, and math for the Mira Loma High School students.

"A lot of it's like has to do with how quickly you could buzz in, so I think that's the thrill that gets me going."

Team captain Claire Burch says competing is not just a mental exercise.

"There's a physical component to it. You're on the buzz, or you're waiting for those trigger words to give your answer," she said.

Science teacher James Hill has been coaching the team for 17 years. His teams have gone from regional to national wins, but it wasn't easy in the beginning.

"Early on I would see the other teams win and be on stage and I would be like I wonder what that feels like," he said.

In recent years, his team has won the nationals 5 times.

He calls their secret weapon hard work and says it's good preparation for their future.

The students say they're confident they'll do well in the next competition, but admit to sometimes getting butterflies.