A Record Setting Team
In April, the `Iolani School math took hold of the record for the longest consecutive state championship streak in the history of the State of Hawai’i. With their 30th consecutive state championship, the Raiders broke the previous all-time streak of 29 by the Punahou boy's swim team from 1958 to 1986.
The Oahu Math League has been providing monthly math competitions for more than 30 schools from across the state since 1968.
Remarks From Head Coach Michael Park
I have been the head coach of 'Iolani School's math team since 1988, and the students on the team have a love of mathematics that goes beyond the classroom. It is so much fun working with talented and enthusiastic students that have a passion for learning, and through their work on the team, these students discover the functionality and the beauty of mathematics. When I look back at all the teams I have coached, the common thread is that they all enjoyed working on challenging problems and sharing their solutions with their teammates. It's a pleasure and an honor working with these brilliant mathletes!
A Demanding Regimen
According to Head Coach Michael Park, team members must survive an intense tryout, then complete 10-page packets for each of the three events they are entered into. They attend workshops led by coaches where they fine-tune their skills, learning higher-level concepts and skills. During the week of the meet, the team gathers to do lunch worksheets that consist of problems that are more difficult than the ones they will see at the meet.
On the Friday before the meet, they do more of these challenging problems that cover every concept and skill needed for their events. On the day of the meet, they warm up for one hour doing even more of these intensive problems to help focus their concentration and bolster their confidence. Needless to say, the team works really hard, and the analytical and problem-solving skills that they develop will serve them well in college and in their future careers.