Windsor spelling champ takes last shot at national title

Isaac Brogan seen in Windsor, Ont. (Robert Lothain/CTV News Windsor)

Isaac Brogan can still tell you every word that’s ended his runs in competitive spelling bees.

Even during his most recent appearance, a third win at the WFCU Credit Union Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, Brogan was given municipal, a word he tripped on years ago.

“So, it was kind of a bit of a full circle experience,” Brogan told CTV News.

The 14-year-old Windsor student is hoping to draw on experience, from both the wins and the losses, this week at the illustrious Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

In his third trip to the national event, Brogan admitted there are still some nerves.

“I’m really nervous. I have put a lot of effort. I know that a lot of other people that are also going to be putting in a lot of effort, but really, it’s all just luck-based,” he said.

A Grade 8 student at Maranatha Christian Academy, it’s Brogan’s last shot at being crowned champion.

If there’s one thing he’s learned from his previous showings, it’s how to better prepare.

“It’s just been putting in a lot of work, learning a lot of new words, and really putting most of my time into this,” Brogan said,

So, after years of practice and competition, are there even words Brogan doesn’t know?

“Well, the dictionary is really big. There are about just under 600,000 words. So, I’m always learning new words. I’m always discovering something new,” he added.

From his ups, a semi-final appearance at the national event, to his downs, a loss at the regional bee, he feels he has a better ability to handle everything thrown at him.

“I’ve had to realize, there’s a good chance I’m not going to win, because only one person out of 250 wins each year… But I’m still going to put in my effort so I can make my chances at least better,” he added.

If you see Brogan compete in the televised event, you may notice he doesn’t just spell, he types too.

To prepare, the spelling wiz uses computer programs to learn and practice spelling words.

“When I type it out, I don’t need to try to piece the word together. I just remember, like it’s my name,” Brogan said.

Through preparation, the teen has had to make many sacrifices. He often chooses to study multiple hours a day rather than spend time with his friends or playing volleyball.

He noted he’s thankful for his friends and his parents, who’ve been supportive along the way.

Brogan also appreciates the support of the WFCU Credit Union, which helps cover the costs of his travel to the U.S. Capitol.

After his final shot at nationals, Brogan plans to use the skills he’s learned to help others who aspire to reach the same heights.

He wants to start an online coaching program to help students progress in their spelling bees.

“A lot of the spelling programs and coaching, like it does get pretty expensive, and I just don’t think it’s worth it to spend all that money just to learn words,” he noted.

The preliminaries begin Tuesday, and if successful, Brogan will move on to the quarterfinals on Wednesday.