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Special Feature:  Jack Cackler is #1 in the State

When Jack Cackler isn't winning the statewide MATHCOUNTS competition to earn a trip to the Nationals for the second year in a row, you might be surprised to find him on the Rugby field or on a wrestling mat.  This 13-year-old eighth grade honor student at Longfellow Middle School in Falls Church not only excels in mathematics, but enjoys sports like most other kids.  A member of his school wrestling team in the 117-pound class this past winter, he unfortunately has to miss the Rugby season this spring because he broke his ankle the week after the MATHCOUNTS competition playing basketball in Gym Class.  Perhaps it will give him more time to practice his math problems and French Horn for band class, since he can do both of those sitting down.

Jack says he's looking forward to the National competition this year.  Last year the Virginia team was treated to a limousine ride to the competition where they met Senator Chuck Robb and participated in the event.  Jack placed 10th overall in the nation and helped lead the Virginia team to a second place finish last year among state teams.  He credits much of his MATHCOUNTS success to his father who has helped him with math since he was a youngster and his older brother, Joe, who was a Virginia team alternate member several years ago.  Jack says, "He gave me tips on the competition and how to prepare.  He knew all the ropes.  My teachers and coaches deserve a lot of credit, too.  I've really been blessed with a lot of people who've helped me."

Despite his mathematical prowess, Jack doesn't let it go to his head.  He says of this year’s national competition, "I'll try to do my best, but there are a lot of smart kids out there.  I like MATHCOUNTS because it lets me use my talent with other kids that enjoy math, too."

Best of luck to Jack Cackler and the rest of the Virginia MATHCOUNTS team.

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