In this year’s National All-Star Academic Tournament, senior Sam Blizzard will serve as Team Ohio’s captain.

Blizzard is excited to lead the some of the state’s smartest students through the competition.

“[I feel] Really great. To have this honor is kind of a big deal,” said Blizzard.

Team Ohio will consist of players from various schools. The team members all have different strengths in different areas. The focus of the team while preparing for the tournament will be to determine and then utilize these strengths.

“For this competition specifically, since everyone’s from different schools, we’re going to have to find everyone’s strengths and figure out how we best work together,” said Blizzard.

The National All-Star Academic Tournament, taking place mid-June, will promote sportsmanship by creating healthy, stimulating competition.

“Having been to this tournament before, it’s definitely the most competitive,” said Blizzard.

Not new to  academic success, Blizzard was named National Freshman of the Year, National Sophomore of the Year and first team All-American by the Partnership for Academic Competition Excellence.

Blizzard also leads Northmont’s Academic team, which has won four of the last five NAQT State Championships and three Brain Game State Championship titles.

“Sam really pulls the team together. He’s really nice and very supportive,” said Academic Challenge teammate, junior Maggie Laing.

Blizzard will graduate first in his class, leaving his mark on the community as the Northmont district will observe Sam Blizzard Day every May 8.