SC Math Team Triumphs at Cal State Long Beach

The victory was a combination of high individual performances and stellar Team Round work. Led by Captain Phillip Miao ’22, the other competitors include Alex Bai ’24, Devon Lu ’23, Dylan Ochoa ’24, Wendy Wang ’23, Frank Yuan ’24, Shuming Zhao ’23, and Tiger Zhang ’25.

 

Sierra Canyon has risen through the ranks over the years at Math Day at the Beach—which according to team members, is “regrettably not actually held on a beach.” From 26^th place the first year to 22^nd the next, SC rose to 5^th place in Division B for two years in a row and finally won Division B in 2019. The top division is ultracompetitive, and Sierra Canyon was elevated to compete in Division A this year. “The contest didn’t meet in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID, so we weren’t sure what to expect. We came back, and our kids won the whole thing! In the top division. I was floored. I’m so proud of them and all their work over the last two years,” Coach Chris Tillman said.

 

The highlight of the contest, the culminating moment, is the intense and dynamic Faceoff Round, where the top 4 students pair off in head-to-head elimination. On stage in front of the whole constituency of students, coaches, parents, and the professors who wrote the contest, SC’s Alex Bai dominated. Swiftly besting his opponent 2-0 in the first matchup, Alex solved challenging problems in mere moments, wowing the crowd and earning fan support. Alex faced the contest’s top finalist in the last round—a Math Olympiad competitor—and swept him 3-0 to ruckus applause.

 

Sierra Canyon’s name will be permanently engraved on the Cal State Long Beach, Math Day at the Beach, trophy, topped with the blue pyramid replica of their iconic athletic facility. As the Math Team continues to practice, we are cheering them on all the way! For now, we congratulate them on their remarkable achievement and wish them luck on their upcoming Princeton University math competition. Let’s go, SC!