Within the school, there are few as under-acknowledged as the unspoken heroes of the math world – the Mathletes.

The Mathletes compete at Math UIL events each school year in an attempt to show their mathematical prowess. Students each take a timed math test and try to outscore their opponents.

“You need to be fast,” said star Mathlete Weihan He, “and you need to really know your stuff.”

Though the Mathletes do not always place in their events, Weihan has managed to come away from his events with a bronze medal, winning third place in a competition with around sixty students.

Unfortunately, the Mathletes do not get much credit for being so good at math.

“We get zero recognition” Darius Zinolabedini said. “People don’t even know what Math UIL is.”

Weihan agreed, adding, “People will ask, ‘Math UIL? Is that a food?'”

While the lack of real recognition is upsetting, being a Mathlete, especially in the Math Bowl, does have its perks. Darius managed to earn $40 from his fourth place performance and Weihan received $60 for his third place mathematical achievement.

“Only the top 4 spots get any money,” Darius said. “Fifth place doesn’t get anything.”

So next time you see your friendly neighborhood Mathletes around the school, be sure to congratulate them for their well-earned success.