Academic Triathlon teams compete Friday

Students from Byron, Kasson-Mantorville and Triton public schools, as well as Stewartville, will participate Friday in an Academic Triathlon from 3 to 8 p.m. at Byron Middle School.

It’s the first of two meets scheduled for this winter. The second is March 10 at K-M High School.

“Anyone who has an enthusiasm for building things, writing plays, playing games, answering trivia questions or thinking on their feet will love Academic Triathlon,” said Becky Remmele, special projects coordinator with the Zumbro Education District.

ZED sponsors and organizes the Academic Triathlon meets. They are team competitions.

“Students of all ability levels are welcome,” she said. “The strongest teams have members with a range of strengths. Coaches try to group students who will complement each other.”

“Kids love this kind of thing,” Remmele went on. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them.”

She notes that parents attend the competitions, and the gyms are as filled as they are for sports.

Academic Triathlon involves three components, those being Face Offs, Mind Sprints and Party In a Box. At the end of each meet, points are accumulated, and winners are announced.

Students in grades fifth through eighth can participate in Academic Triathlon. Each team consists of up to five students.