by Luke Ericson
The Natural Resources team’s season has come to a close with four student team placing fifth in the State Finals. Seniors Lillian Kier, Hana Unruh, Ben Bradley, and junior Chloe Robbins have become experts in the world of natural resources, studying different geological aspects of the state, including mountains, valleys, a far-reaching coastline, and different species of wildlife. The team also studies environmental issues like energy usage, water conservation, and wildlife management. According to Richard Chapman, the team advisor, the team even learned how to properly pack a live mule.
To prepare for their competitions, the team met twice a week on Zoom, each practice beginning at seven in the morning. The team commenced practices back in September and their season-ending the last weekend of January. Chapman has been coaching the team for several years along with volunteer coach Heidi. “I enjoy the students and Heidi,” says Chapman. “We have had amazing students come through this team over the years, which is to be expected at Minarets as we have the best students around! And Heidi is such a great coach (she has coached four state champion teams) and she is an amazing person. She is a great mentor for these students and the team definitely becomes a family.”
While another successful Natural Resources season has come to a close, preparations for next year's team is already in place.