National Academic League

Our congratulations go to the NAL National Champions -- Wasatch Jr. High, Granite School District, Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Runner-Up team - Hanes Magnet School, WSFCS, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Last fall, schools across the nation started competing locally to determine a League Champion by spring. Just like their athletic counterparts, teams traveled on buses to other schools, competed in front of cheering audiences - some with cheerleaders and half-time entertainment, and spent countless hours wherever they could find a spot - including pizza parlors, coffee houses, and a funeral home - practicing for the next meet. The coaches and the players worked hard and formed relationships that are seldom seen outside athletics. In March, each League's champion team moved into a single-elimination "March Madness" national competition using videoconferencing technology. 

We thank all those who contribute to the success of this program: 

         Administrators who implement the NAL in their schools because they recognize that their students deserve a season of academic competition and recognition just like their athletic counterparts.

         League Commissioners who tirelessly spend extra time organizing game schedules, ensuring the equipment and materials are available for every game, and negotiating the conflicts and protests that inevitably arise during these enthusiastic games.

         Coaches who motivate their players to work hard as a team and who inspire them to perform at a level beyond their own expectations.

         Parents who support their children's efforts in countless ways from providing pizza for the practice sessions, to assisting with coaching, to attending the games.

The National Academic League can play an important role in a child's positive school experience that lays the foundation of their achievement and life success. We are appreciative to all who participate.

NAL National Champions

Granite School District's Wasatch Jr. High Wins the National Academic League's National Championship

The Wasatch Jr. High team showcased their skills in the single elimination NAL National Tournament.  First they toppled  their Sweet 16 opponents from Pasadena, Texas.  Then they soured past their opponents from Farmington, Utah in the Elite 8 game. They struggled in the Final 4, when they had to play their district rivals Brockbank Jr. High.  All this to make it to the Championship game against Winston-Salem Forsyth County School's Hanes Magnet School. 

In the Championship game, Wasatch started out in the first quarter by jumping ahead by 11 points.  But, Hanes started to close the gap after the 2nd quarter. Both schools presented on "Airport Scanner Safety" in the 3rd quarter, and Wasatch  regained their 11 point lead.  In the 4th quarter Wasatch soared to the finish ending the game 88 to 62.     

Way to go Wasatch!

Click Here To See the Tournament Brackets   

Tournament High Scores

Additional high scorers were Tony A., from Davis School District's Milcreek Jr. High, Tyler A.,Granite School District's Brockbank Jr. High,Catherine B.,Mesa Unified School District's Smith Jr. High,

Ryan L., Weber School District's Orion Jr. High, Zach V., Granite School District's Wasatch Jr. High, Aaron E., Mesa Unified School District Taylor Jr. High, Wyatt M., and Ian S Granite School District's Brockbank Jr. High. 

To get more information please visit our web site.