VA Coaches: Congratulations on qualifying and competing at the World Finals level of competition. You and your team experienced the return to the World Finals with over 600 teams from across the U.S., Poland, Switzerland, and South Korea. You participated in-person long term problem performances complete with live judging teams, WF spontaneous competition, Creativity Festival, International Festival, Opening Ceremony, Float and Banner Parade, Award Ceremony, Arm & Hammer interaction, and WF pin trading etc.

One of the most valuable experiences at Odyssey of the Mind World Finals is learning from watching other teams’ performances in higher divisions and other problems. And hearing comments like “How did they do that?”, or said “I didn’t know you could do that”, or “I can do that and more.” And were fortunate to witness out-of-the-box creativity (Why is this solution so different from the others?).

A hearty congratulations to the following teams and coaches whose teams’ performances were recognized at the Award Ceremonies. I believe these teams did not come to the WF expecting to win. They were knowledgeable of the level of competition to expect and thereby stepped up their creative out-of-the-box skills in problem solving, skit concept design and development, and integrated set-costume-prop production. I am sure they will leverage their new knowledge from this WF experience.

Problem 1, Div 1, 3rd place: Glebe ES (Coach Kendra Russell)
Problem 2, Div 2, 5th place: Twain MS (Coach John Clemmer)
Problem 2, Div 2, 6th place: Swanson MS (Coach Christina Headrick)
Problem 4, Div 2, 4th place: Belmont Ridge MS (Coach Scott Balwinski)
Problem 4, Div 2, 6th place: Poquoson MS (Coach Norm Remchuk)

I will share with you an additional World Finals performance measure of VOICES teams I started when I started as AD. I am proud to report that all 24 VA teams that competed in the 2022 World Finals finished in the top 40 teams of their respective problem and division.

33 % of the teams finished in top 10;
75% of the teams finished in top 20;
96% of the teams finished in top 30; and
100% of the teams finished in top 40.

This is a major accomplishment! This year, the coach’s role was most crucial. For many of the coaches, this was their team’s first time presenting live to judges and audience. The team may have never seen another team (or competitor) perform at a region tournament or state tournament. The team’s performance was based on any coaches training or mentoring the coach may have received, and the team’s prior OOTM experience and interpretation of the problem descriptions.

Congratulations to ALL for a successful season!!
Enjoy a great summer!

Dave

David Tsuda
Director, Virginia Association
Odyssey of the Mind (c)