For the first time since 2017, the Coffeyville Red Ravens claimed the state championship in the community college State Academic Excellence Challenge competition. The Ravens went a perfect 9-0 in the state tournament hosted by Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kan.

Coffeyville started the tournament by defeating the Garden City B Team 90-30. The Ravens then beat host Johnson County 190-155. The Ravens followed that up with a 155-65 victory over Cowley.

Coffeyville hammered the Garden City C Team 225-30 before beating the Garden City A Team 265-130.  The run continued with a 155-90 win over Allen County.  Coffeyville wrapped up the state championship with consecutive wins over Allen County 305-75, beating the Garden City A team again 200-95 and Cowley 285-80.

The state title is the school's first since 2017 and the fifth overall in school history. Coffeyville had previously won the state championship in 1986, 1991, 1993, and 2017. The quiz bowl-esque competition started in 1986 and all Kansas community colleges are eligible to compete. This year, seven teams competed in the activity.

Coffeyville's A.J. Kohler ranked first individually at this year's state tournament. Teammate Zachary Heidenreich ranked ninth individually. Sophomore Dawn Parker ranked 25th individually, while Danielle Deller, Sydney Neidigh, and Kasandra Harris tied at 26th.      

“I am extremely proud of this team," said team sponsor Ryan Butcher. "They spent many hours preparing and their efforts have been rewarded.”  

Students who are interested in competing can contact Butcher at (620) 252-7014. Scholarships are available.