Santana Upsets West Hills to Claim Santee Trophy in Academic League

Santana High School on Wednesday upset defending Academic League district champion and host West Hills High School in the kickoff to the new season in the Grossmont Union High School District.

Schools Superintendent Ralf Swenson, who attended the Santee match with Councilman Mayor Rob McNelis, says: “The close match went down to the last question, with Santana coming from behind to win 83 to 81. Extra suspense was added as the winner of the match would become the recipient of the City of Santee’s perpetual trophy for the year.”

Other varsity results include Grossmont over host Valhalla 56-53, El Capitan over host Mount Miguel 53-36 and Helix Charter over host Monte Vista 46-39.

In Santee, McNelis awarded the trophy to Brooke Crocker, Santana’s Academic League coach.

“I was impressed with the range of knowledge and sportsmanship displayed at the match,” Swenson wrote on the district website.

Academic League goes back 30 years, using a Jeopardy style format with questions that cover six areas: science, social science, fine arts, math, current events and literature.

“All schools play each other at least once during the 10-game season,” Swenson says. “The team with the best record will advance to the County Championship in May. I hope you will find an opportunity to view a Wednesday afternoon match at your school before the season draws to a close.”