ICS building dynasty
The coach of Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Columbia's Scholar Bowl team is presiding over a stretch of success the school has never seen before.
Since taking over the coaching duties in 2005, Vaughn has won one state title in her first year and been back to the tournament two more years-in 2007 and again this year.She attributes this success not to her teaching methods but instead to the students she has had the pleasure of working with.
"The students are exceptional and are always willing to learn," Vaughn said.
What makes her job even easier is the fact ICS kids want to be on the Scholar Bowl team, not afraid to be known as the smartest kids on campus.
"We had 47 kids come out for tryouts this year," Vaughn said.
Those who don't make it still support the team, putting up encouraging banners around the school and regularly checking on the team's scores.
Like any team with the taste of winning in its mouth, the Scholar Bowl squad isn't content with just getting there.
Last year's team was swept in the first round of the state finals, partly because of bad luck.
"Our 8th graders couldn't go because they had confirmation on the same day so we had to rely on the younger kids," Vaughn said.
In a sense, that defeat has helped this year's team, which has a chip on its soldier.
"Vindication has kind of been our theme throughout the year," Vaughn said.
