March Madness left as quickly as it came! So many upsets and good games were seen throughout the tournament. Saint Peter’s over Kentucky? Nothing is better than a good March Madness upset. But some people might think otherwise because of their brackets.

Brackets are made every year to predict the whole tournament from the round of 64 to the champion. No one has ever predicted a “perfect bracket.” But those who hope, continue to make them every year, including many Cathedral Prep students and faculty.

Every year Prep does something for March Madness which usually involves bracket challenges. Mr. Hubert, an English/Journalism teacher and sports fanatic, has organized The Rambler‘s Bracket Challenge since 2013. The competition was open to anyone from Prep or Villa that wanted to be part of it. The top three finishers earned gift cards as prizes.

The winner of this year’s Rambler bracket was senior Jack Rouch, who was one of only four people to accurately predict Kansas to win the championship.

“Kansas is my team,” Jack said. “I didn’t think too hard for the bracket. But I still didn’t doubt them for a second.”

This year, Prep’s student council, led by Student Council President Michael Vereb, also organized a bracket challenge as a fundraiser. The brackets were $5 each to enter and a maximum of two brackets were allowed. The winnings were as follows:

• First Place: $50 Spirit Store gift card and $25 to a restaurant of your choice
• Second Place: $25 Buffalo Wild Wings gift card
• Third Place: $15 Chick Fil A gift card
• Last Place: $10 Spirit Store gift card

Some of the winners of this competition included senior class president, Andrew Kolodychak. Meanwhile, Theology teacher Mr. Awungnkeng finished in last place.

“I was surprised I placed,” Andrew said. “I lucked out with Kansas going all the way.”

The bracket was a total success for the students even though it wasn’t so much for the teachers (Mr. A). Student council raised over $200 just from this challenge! The benefits are going to be donated to Caritas Internationalis as a Ukrainian relief fund.

“It’s not a lot, but it’s definitely something to help our brothers and sisters in Ukraine,” Student Council President Michael Vereb said. “I’m glad people had fun participating in the challenge, but I’m happier it’s going to a greater cause.”