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Academic Teams

And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. Nehemiah 2:18
At Crean Lutheran High School, students are given the opportunity to pursue their interests and passion by joining an Academic Team. Many of our teams practice regularly, participate in competitions during the year, and require a greater time commitment than our clubs. Our students are supported and mentored by dedicated coaches who provide hands-on, individualized instruction to prepare students for competitions.

Academic Teams Coaches

Biology Olympiad - Mr. Benne

Mr. Bruce Benne

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Education
BS in Education; Major in Secondary Education Biology, K-12 Music and Minored in Lutheran Teaching

Experience
29 years in Christian Education

Contact:
benne@creanlutheran.org

Chemistry Olympiad - Mr. Schacht

Mr. Mitch Schacht

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Education
Biola University B.S. in Biochemistry, Tulane University M.S. in Tropical Medicine, University of California Irvine M.S. Molecular Biology

Experience
I’ve taught Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab at Biola University as an adjunct professor and worked as a scribe at Los Alamitos and Lakewood Hospitals.  Most recently I worked in industry at Johnson and Johnson in a chemistry and biological research capacity. This is my third year teaching at Crean Lutheran.

Contact:
schacht@creanlutheran.org

Math Olympiad - Mr. Cherry

Mr. Robby Cherry

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Education
Bachelors of Science Degree
Mathematics
Westmont College
Masters Degree
Education- Instructional Leadership
Lipscomb University

Experience
8 years in education (math)
11 years in coaching (cross country and track & field)

Contact:
cherry@creanlutheran.org

Model United Nations (MUN) - Mr. Pietrolungo

Mr. Antonio Pietrolungo

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Education
B.A. in History from California State University Fresno 
B.A. in Biblical Studies from Eternity Bible College 
Teaching Credential- California Single Subject Social Science

Experience
Youth pastor and media director at a local church - 5 years 
Abstinence and chapel speaker - 10 years
Teaching - 5 years

Contact:
pietrolungo@creanlutheran.org

Robotics - Mr. Rutherford

Mr. John Rutherford

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36

Education
B.A. in Theology; Concordia University, Irvine
California Single Subject Teaching Credential, Art; Concordia University, Irvine
Masters Of Education; Concordia University, Irvine

Experience
5 Years in Education

Contact:
rutherford@creanlutheran.org

Science Olympiad - Mr. Schacht

Mr. Mitch Schacht

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

Education
Biola University B.S. in Biochemistry, Tulane University M.S. in Tropical Medicine, University of California Irvine M.S. Molecular Biology

Experience
I’ve taught Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry Lab at Biola University as an adjunct professor and worked as a scribe at Los Alamitos and Lakewood Hospitals.  Most recently I worked in industry at Johnson and Johnson in a chemistry and biological research capacity. This is my third year teaching at Crean Lutheran.

Contact:
schacht@creanlutheran.org

Speech & Debate - Mr. Blanke

Mr. Karl Blanke

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10

Education
B.A. in Letters, University of Oklahoma
J.D., Georgetown University

Experience
University of Oklahoma
Lutheran High School of Orange County
United States Marine Corps
Private practice trial attorney

Contact:
blanke@creanlutheran.org