Winter 2016
Sichel’s Advanced Certamen Predictions
1. Indian Hill
No, I’m not biased. Stop asking. Got a problem? Fight
me. Huh? Yeah, torch fingers turn to buzzer fingers. This
team has far and away the most experience. Three
seniors, one national champion and MVP, two players with
multiple state championships, the list goes on. This team
has gelled well over the past five years, and has proven to
come up big repeatedly when it matters most.
it comes to history and lit. I can foresee him running out of
gas against a more well-rounded team.
6. Columbus Academy
I made a trip up to the capital city to survey the
competition. One player who stuck out in particular was a
grammarian from the Academy. He seemed very solid in
the informal rounds, and I expect his prowess to transfer
well when the rounds matter.
7. St. Edward
Will Ed be able to sustain the rebuilding process? Only
time will tell. I do expect them to qualify for the semifinals,
as is tradition.
8. Westlake
Another team that could come out of nowhere. Certamen
hype at Westlake hasn’t quite returned to the level it was
at back in the time of all-time legend Tom Carroll, but
consistently good Certamen teams make the journey into
Columbus.
9. Mariemont
Adam Sichel (right) playing National Certamen in 2014
2. Shaker Heights
Historically strong team, but they lost 87% of their
production from last year. Matthew McMillan and Blake
Himes are returning to anchor the team. Shaker annually
produces strong certamen teams by Convention time, and
this year should be no different.
A dark horse from the southwest. Mariemont could make
a dramatic run into the semifinals. However, a dearth of
experience may prove fatal on the trail there.
Adam Sichel is a veteran Certamen player who has been
around the block a few times. Adam has won various titles
on the local, state, and national levels. Some say his
Certamen career has already peaked, and they might be
right.
Complaint Hotline: (513) 255-7410
3. Summit
Young team with lots of potential. Maverick Tullus Dean
has been studying hard, but will his work come to fruition?
Joseph Delamerced seems to be the strength of this
team, the protégé of his two younger siblings, Tino and
Anna.
4. Seven Hills
Charlie Dwight has yet to be seen at a local Certamen.
Will he still have the magic touch? Seven Hills hasn’t had a
presence in the Cincinnati area, but they could still revive
the dream with strong, stable play by Dwight. Update:
Charlie competed in the final certamen in the Cincinnati
area, where he led his team to victory.
5. Walnut Hills
Peter Hattemer or Greg Jennings? Either way, he puts the
team on his back. While he does establish grammatical
and mythological strengths, he is noticeably lacking when
Adam Sichel (2nd from right) playing in the Novice
Certamen Finals in 2012
By Adam Sichel, Certamen Analyst, Indian Hill
IV