Local spelling champ prepares

YOUNGSTOWN — Vindicator Regional Spelling Bee champion John Umble has been getting in some last-minute studying along with sightseeing and picnicking at the 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

John and his parents, James and Kathryn Umble of Poland, flew to Washington on Sunday, spent Monday at a Bee-sponsored picnic, and then did some touring, studying and just relaxing Tuesday.

John “has been studying hard — on his own and with a group of kids down in the hotel lobby,” said his father.

He’s also been interviewed by ABC TV, which is broadcasting the finals of the event Thursday night. He could appear in a short cameo during that competition.

“We’re having a great time down here,” the elder Umble said.

Spellers all take part in the preliminaries today with a one-word oral competition and a 25-word written competition.

John, whose speller number is 208, will take the written test at 8:45 a.m. and the oral competition at 11:30 a.m.

Announcement of quarterfinalists will come shortly after 1 p.m. and the quarterfinals will run from 2 to 5:30 p.m.

ESPN will broadcast the semifinals live on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ABC will air the finals live from 8 to 10 p.m.