WEST SUNBURY — Warriors don't just flex their muscles, they use their brains, too.

After taking first place at a state competition earlier this month in Erie, nine Moniteau middle school students advanced to the national competition of the U.S. Academic Pentathlon.

“I think it's an incredible experience,” said teacher Kristy Hershey, first-year coach of the pentathlon team. “The kids worked really hard this year.”

Hershey said the team prepared together one class period each day. Students also worked individually through school study sessions and put in time at home.

Rounding out the team's roster are Mya Williams, Kadance Miller, Taylor Voloch, Sam Loutzenhiser, Logan Ryan, Sam Heist, Karolina Karner, Cassie Totef and JJ Wetzel. Students are grouped based on grade point average over the past few years into three categories: honors, scholastic and varsity.

Winning the state-level competition sends the team to Nashville, Tenn., in May to compete against junior high teams from around the country.

“Their teacher has (Hershey) never been to Nashville,” joked Hershey. “I have one student who has family in the area, so she's the only one (who has) been to Nashville.”

Hershey said the team won 21 individual subject medals and five of the nine overall medals in Erie. She said there will be tough competition at nationals, but hard work has paid off for the team thus far. She added how she has watched team members grow over the course of the season and can't wait to see what they achieve in Nashville.

“This is a group that I have a really good connection with, and I'm just really proud of them,” Hershey said.

Seventh-grader Logan Ryan won five medals at the state level: two bronze medals in science and math, and three silvers in social science, literature and overall points.

Logan said the team practiced using numerous flashcards and study packets. He is excited about his team's chances for success at the national level.

“We had resource guides that had all our information on them,” Logan said. “I felt prepared. I think we have a pretty good shot.”

Logan's mother, Robin Ryan, said the program provides great opportunities for the students and helps prepare them for the future.

“If the kids keep going with this, they can get some scholarships,” Ryan said. “There's really good scholarships out there, and it expands their knowledge.”

Even though she didn't win any medals, Kadance Miller was proud of her accomplishments and felt she helped her team. She said social studies was her favorite part of the competition, adding the test had a lot of questions about the 1960s, which is one of her favorite eras because of the music.

Kadance said her team works well together and helps each other every chance they get.

“I didn't win a specific award, but I think I did pretty well overall,” Kadance said. “A lot of people on our team are intelligent and know their stuff.”

Tammy Miller, Kadance's mother, said the team's success shows that small schools are not being left behind in scholastic pedigree. She was proud of Moniteau's success and called the win “phenomenal.”

Seventh-grader Mya Williams won two medals: a gold in fine arts and a silver in social science.

Mya said the tests weren't a breeze, but the team was able to persevere.

“The math was fun, but it was kind of difficult under the time crunch,” she said. “I think we did really well, better than I expected.”

Sadie Williams, Mya's mother, said the competition teaches students beyond the questions and answers. She said it gives them a chance to use their knowledge to interact with their peers and talk to adults like adults.

“I think it gives them excellent experience, not only in their academic skills, but also in their social skills,” she said.