45th Scripps National Spelling Bee
{
The Mayflower Hotel, site of the 45th National Spelling Bee
DateJune 1972
LocationThe Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C.
WinnerRobin Kral
Age14
ResidenceLamesa, Texas
SponsorLubbock Avalanche-Journal
Sponsor locationLubbock, Texas
Winning wordmacerate
No. of contestants79[1]
PronouncerRichard R. Baker
Preceded by44th Scripps National Spelling Bee
Followed by46th Scripps National Spelling Bee

The 45th Scripps National Spelling Bee was held in Washington, D.C. at the Mayflower Hotel in June 1972, sponsored by the E.W. Scripps Company.

The winner was 14-year-old Robin Kral of Lamesa, Texas with the word "macerate".[1] Second place went to 13-year-old Lauren H. Pringle of Buffalo, New York. Kral first had a chance to win when Pringle misspelled "polyonymous", but also misspelled it. Pringle then missed "garnett", which Kral correctly spelled, followed by "macerate" for the win.[1][2]

There were 79 contestants this year, 47 girls and 32 boys. 533 words were used.[3]

Barrie Trinkle of Texas placed fifth this year (falling on "allograph"), and won the next year.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Glass, Ray (March 13, 2001). "W-I-N-N-E-R". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Lubbock, Texas: Morris Communications. Archived from the original on 2008-06-03. Retrieved March 6, 2008.
  2. ^ (20 July 2014). St. Bonaventure English professor wins National Senior Spelling Bee, Buffalo News
  3. ^ What Do You Want To Know About the National Spelling Bee?, National Spelling Bee (1974)
  4. ^ (14 June 1973). Texas girl wins prize for spelling, Eugene Register Guard (Associated Press)
  5. ^ Maguire, James. American Bee: The National Spelling Bee and the Culture of Word Nerds, 14 Champion's Profile (2006)
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