SWREC Academic Competition 2023–2024
What an exciting season it has been for our Academic Challenge! We are now planning the state competition and are looking forward to watching each REC's top two teams compete for the title of RECA state academic champions!
The competition will be on March 4 and 5 in Albuquerque at the Embassy Suites.
For those who are making their plans to attend, review the state competition manual.
Have a question that you can't find an answer to? Try the Academic Challenge FAQs below. If you would like to submit a question not addressed with this FAQ, please add it to our question parking lot form, and we will respond with an answer as quickly as possible!
Academic Challenge FAQs
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What do we do if the internet goes down during a virtual competition?
Pause competition until access is restored. Connect to a mobile hotspot if possible. If the competition cannot be completed, reschedule the competition or have that team do a makeup competition at a different region if they are not using the same question set that students have already been exposed to or skip the practice competition (if it is not a state qualifier).
Can a sponsor/coach bring additional people to the state competition who are not competing?
Follow your district policy regarding bringing non-participants on field trips. If allowed, any expenses (meals, lodging, travel, etc.) will not be covered by RECs and/or the state competition unless that person is listed as your team manager and is of appropriate age for the position of manager.
If our team is finished competing, do we have to stay through the finals and awards ceremony?
Participants are encouraged to stay as a show of good sportsmanship and support as a spectator.
Can we bring our own team shirts to wear during the competition?
Yes. The first day of the competition is a great day to wear your school/region shirts. Team members are expected to wear their Academic Competition t-shirts given out at registration on the final day of the competition.
How many people can we bring for our team?
Each high school varsity team may have one to 10 participating students, although only four will be actively participating at one time. Other students will be substitutes or managers. All substitutes must have been involved in at least one of the regional state qualifying tournaments.
Will accessibility accommodations be provided?
Any accessibility needs must have proper documentation submitted during the state competition’s February registration. All requested accommodations with documentation will be provided.
Are parents/spectators allowed to attend the competition?
Spectators and parents can attend the competitions. Although expenses and activities are covered for participants, coaches, and bus drivers, spectators must cover their own expenses which include lodging, meals, transportation, scheduling, and payment of any activities provided for the participants. (Please see Academic Challenge manual for spectator guidelines.)
AC Question Parking Lot
SWREC Academic Competition 2022–2023
The Academic Competition was established by REC9 to promote academic excellence. For the first time, the Academic Competition was a statewide event, opening the opportunity to include all districts in New Mexico through each of the ten state RECs!
SWREC held practice sessions during the fall semester. District play began for SWREC Region 10 in February through April where points counted towards qualifying for state competition.
The State Competition was held April 25 in Albuquerque. SWREC covered travel, meals, and hotel costs for the two winning varsity teams from our region, Arrowhead Park Early College High School, and Deming High School!
Hobbs High School was crowned our first Academic Competition winner, with Dexter High School coming in second! It was a great experience for all, and we hope every school returns for the 2023–2024 season and tells other schools to join in as well!
Although only varsity teams can qualify for the state competition, our Academic Competition is open to sixth through eighth grades for the middle school competitions and ninth through twelfth grade for high school competitions at junior varsity and varsity levels. Non-state levels still received regional awards from SWREC!
SWREC vs REC9 Spring 2022 Competition
Check out past competitions below!
Middle School Competition Recording
High School Competition Recording
