When UConn claimed the 2014 NCAA championship over Kentucky, the Renaissance Club/Eagle Eye News first annual March Madness Challenge also crowned its own champions.

Two sophomores and a member of the TAHS faculty claimed the $50 in Sheetz gift cards and more importantly, the title of Champion.

In first place is sophomore Anna Baran.  Baran correctly chose 43 games throughout the tournament.  She had two of the four Final Four teams correct but neither made the championship. However, with the many upsets in the tournament, Baran was one of only a few in the pool to get more than one correct.

What was Baran’s secret?

“I researched statistics from most teams to choose the winners,” said Baran, “I watch a lot of college basketball, so I knew a lot about the teams.”

In second place was TASD phys. ed. teacher, Mr. Marcus Owens.

“I’m going to hang this up in my office,” said Owens of his award certificate.

The third place winner is sophomore Stevie Lucas.  “I’m honored to win third place,” said Lucas, who made what he called “somewhat educated guesses” when filling out his bracket.

“I did better than I thought I would,” said Lucas.

The pool was a great success and the Eagle Eye and Renaissance looks forward to hosting the contest again next year.