At Hooker High School, junior Nathun Urias is proof that competition takes many forms. While some chase championships on the field, Urias finds his arena behind a buzzer. As a dedicated member of the Academic Team since junior high, he has spent years transforming curiosity into confidence and teamwork into achievement.
“I’ve always enjoyed trivia and the sense of satisfaction that comes when I get a correct answer,” Urias said. “My coach always keeps it fun, and that’s something that really matters to me.”
That mix of fun and focus fuels his love for learning. His interests stretch well beyond the classroom, sparked early by his biggest role model, his Pa, who introduced him to economics, investing, government, and politics.
“My Pa has taught me many life lessons to help prepare for my future,” he said. “Alongside him, my mom has always supported me through everything, from baseball and band to Academic Bowl.”
One of the most influential figures in his academic journey has been his Government and History teacher, Mrs. Johnson.
“Mrs. Johnson has taught me to look at things from different perspectives and inspired me to apply for the 2026 Oklahoma Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.,” Urias said. “I’m proud to be a recipient and will be taking part this summer.”
Success, Urias believes, comes from consistency and teamwork as much as intellect. He’s usually the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, putting in extra effort to study and strengthen his team’s chemistry. That dedication paid off at the Vici Invitational, where Hooker, seeded sixth, pulled off a major upset against Clinton to finish second overall.
“Through perseverance and grit, we were able to upset Clinton pretty handily,” he recalled.
Still, Urias never loses sight of his teammates, especially those whose contributions often go unnoticed.
“My friend Ulises is the heartbeat of our team,” he said. “He reminds us to have fun and never stop improving.”
Representing Hooker and the Oklahoma Panhandle fills him with pride. For Urias, academic competition isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about proving that determination, teamwork, and curiosity can shine from anywhere.
