(NBC Studios, Washington, D.C.): A strong comeback was forestalled by 2 missed questions but O'Connell salvaged an impressive 2nd place finish at the It's Academic TV Show taping on January 18, 2003. The Knights scored 475 points, just ahead of Park View and not much out of Lake Braddock's range.
The frustration was evident on captain Stephen Chanderbhan's face as the first lightning round ended. The three person team comprised of Chanderbhan, Matt Wadden, and Irene Xenos had answered just one question and stood at 110 points - in third place. Their strategy was not quite being employed - their preemptive buzzing was not quite quick enough. After sweeping its part of the first team round, the team made up some ground in the visual round, although it found itself still behind.
In the second half, things began to turn around for the team. In their grab bag portion of the competition, the team got all of its answers right and earned a 25 point bonus - only the 4th team out of 9 in the day so far to do it. Unfortunately, so did Lake Braddock, and their lead seemed insurmountable.
Then came the comeback. In rapid fire succession, starting with, again, just one question then building momentum, the Knights fired back in the last round. They were within range of overcoming Lake Braddock, but 2 missed questions knocked the Knights back. The Bruins went ahead, and the Knights were looking at another 3rd place finish. However, on last push got O'Connell 5 points ahead of the Patriots of Park View as the final buzzer sounded. An impressive final round allowed the Knights to avoid another last place finish and to gain some respect as an academic club around the area. The 2nd and 3rd place teams each won $275.00 scholarships for the school; Lake Braddock took home the big check - $375.00 - and a return ticket for a 2nd round game.
The team was almost forced into dressing Robert Svercl as alternate as Matt Wadden was not where we thought he might be. However, Wadden came and his efforts certainly were key to this competition. Irene Xenos, another junior, came through with some key questions. Chanderbhan, the departing captain, was the emotional leader - everything from a fist pump to a cold stare to tell you how things were going.
The enthusiasm of the fans (whose sign per capita ratio was the best) and the band was certainly evident as the team rallied to get within range. However, even after the game ended, the congratulations abounded as the parents, teachers, and fans in the stands were impressed with the team's determination and will to win. There was no quit in the team and even as the odds looked slim, the team came through in the clutch to give itself a chance. Although a win would've been much preferable, a second place finish to a talented Lake Braddock team and beating a good Park View team still gave the Knights and their fans something to smile about on this cold January day.
The show will air on NBC Channel 4 at 10:00 AM on FEBRUARY 22. The Knights will next compete in a spring tournament at the University of Maryland (presumably) and the Knowledge Master Open - Spring Edition.