Western Wyoming Community College Hosts 2026 Southwest Regional State Math Contest

ROCK SPRINGS, WY – March 13, 2026 

Western Wyoming Community College (Western) hosted over 192 students and teachers from 14 different schools in the College’s service area for the annual 2026 Southwest Regional State Math Contest on Tuesday, March 10, in the Rushmore Gym.   

Students in grades 6 through 12 participated in the competition this year. The event is sponsored by TATA Chemicals and Western’s Mathematics Department. TATA Chemicals covered the costs associated with the event with a generous donation.   

“Tata Chemicals is proud to support the Southwest Regional State Math Contest and the talented students who participate in it each year. Events like this encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are essential for the future of our communities and industries. We are grateful to Western Wyoming Community College for hosting such a well-organized competition and to the teachers who help inspire the next generation of mathematicians, engineers, and innovators,” states Bill McClure, Vice President of Human Resources at TATA.  

Schools in attendance included Davis Middle School, Evanston High School, Evanston Middle School, Farson-Eden School, Green River High School, Lincoln Middle School, Pilot Butte Elementary School, Pinedale High School, Pinedale Middle School, Rawlins High School, Rock Springs High School, Rock Springs Junior High School, and Saratoga Middle/High School. This year also marked a milestone for the Southwest Region State Math Contest, as for the first time in its history a homeschooled student from Rawlins participated in the event, expanding the contest’s reach beyond traditional school systems and reflecting the growing interest in mathematics among diverse learning communities. 

 Once again, Evanston High School earned the top scores for Team A (grades 11 and 12) and Team B (grades 9 and 10). Luke Guild, also from Evanston High School, secured the first individual place in Team A.  

Lincoln Middle School (Green River) earned the top scores in both Team C (grade 8) and Team D (grades 6 and 7). 

"The 2026 Southwest Region State Math Contest brought together an impressive group of students ready to put their problem-solving skills to the test. Participants tackled 40 individual questions and two team challenges that required creativity, logic, and plenty of determination. The energy in the room proved that math can be competitive, collaborative, and even a little fun. Western is proud to host this event each year and give students a chance to challenge themselves, connect with other math enthusiasts, and discover that solving tough problems can be just as exciting as winning,” said Lusi Stephens, Professor of Mathematics at Western.   

Western professors and Math Contest Co-Chairs Lusi Stephens, Sarah Pauley, and Kaylee Tuttle, led the event though it was a collaborative effort by many others who contributed their time to ensure this event ran smoothly.   

To learn more about events happening on campus visit Western’s calendar at westernwyoming.edu/calendar. For more information regarding the math contest please contact Lusi Stephens at lstephens@westernwyoming.edu. For public relations, please contact marketing@westernwyoming.edu