Everything you’ve worked hard for kicks in now.

Decathletes gear up for a rigorous two-day county competition, feeling intimidated as they are asked tough questions in front of a complete stranger or under pressure as they recite the three minute speech they prepared during their meetings.

With the central theme of India, Academic Decathlon studied intensive courses in Science, Social Studies, Math, English, Art, Music, Speech, and Economics.

Nine selected decathletes competed at El Rancho High School on January 30 and February 6. They were separated into three different levels: Honors, Scholastic and Varsity.

The competition consisted of a timed essay,a “super quiz,” interviews, speeches, and tests based on the curriculum studied, requiring them to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of India.

Unlike past years, this year the “super quiz” is a collaborative effort, where Decathletes are no longer required to answer the questions on their own.

Deca captain, Felipe Perez(12) says, “With team super quizzes, we managed to earn more points as a team than individually.”

Ailsa Thai(12) received silver medals in art, language and literature, and music. Enrique Lucas(12) received bronze in music.

In the interview category, Natalie Rojas(12) received bronze, Alondra DeLeon(11) and Enrique both earned silver; seniors Marianna Acevedo, Felipe Perez, and Ailsa Thai accepted gold medals.

In the speech category, Victoria Gurrola, Felipe Perez, Enrique Lucas, and Ailsa Thai were acknowledged for bronze. Alondra DeLeon received silver for the same category.

Overall, Ailsa received a medal for being the top decathlete of the team.