By Melissa Toupin
mtoupin@abc6.com
At his kitchen table in Wrentham, Mass., Andrew Ricci clocks in at just under 10 seconds. His fastest Rubik's cube solve is an unbelievable 6.15 seconds. And if you're wondering, yes, that's a record. Not bad for someone who only picked up the skill 2 years ago.
"I thought that maybe I could potentially be good at it," said 15-year-old Ricci. "But I never knew I could potentially be as good as I am at it."
Ricci's talent would earn him an appearance on Nickelodeon's "Figure It Out,"and a spot at the 2012 U.S. Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. There, the high school sophomore beat out 250 competitors to claim the title, and at the same time set the National record.
"I was definitely extremely excited," said Tricia. "It was just a great moment."
Based on his times Tricia is now the fastest speed solver in North America. He ranks 4th fastest in the world. It's something his parents, John and Becky, are very proud of.
"It was always his goal, and he always believed that he could be that good," said Becky Ricci. "We always stand back and he just led the way."
Tricia says there's no real secret to solving the Rubik's cube.
"It takes a lot of time," said Ricci. "It takes a lot of effort to really get good at the puzzle it's self."
Ricci says the best advice he can give is simply to practice.
Along with winning a trophy and cash prize at the 2012 U.S. Nationals, Ricci is eligible to compete in the World Championships in Las Vegas next year.
