A closer look at preparation, expectations and team dynamics
By Brighton Sorey
Last weekend’s statewide Quiz Bowl competition at White County High School brought together various academically talented teams in Arkansas, giving participants a chance to demonstrate their knowledge, speed, and teamwork skills under pressure. For the Haas Hall Rogers Quiz Bowl team, the event served as both a challenge and a learning experience, putting months of preparation to the test. This year’s team includes captains Liam Zimmerman and Hazael Rodriguez, along with scholars Gopal Menon, Henry Herold, Joseph Richards, John Wyman and Alex Schwartz.
In the days leading up to the competition, team members reflected on their club experience with a mix of pride and constructive team spirit. Zimmerman, who has been involved in Quiz Bowl since elementary and middle school and now serves as a captain of the senior high team, explained that the team has continued to grow stronger since the start of this season. “We’ve become a lot more diverse and a lot more knowledgeable,” he said, while also touching on the graduation of former key player Kate Kuehn. Kuehn had been especially valuable because she “knew how to play the game” and brought valuable knowledge to the team. She particularly specialized in categories like literature and composers, topics that the current team still works to improve. Zimmerman said he feels optimistic about their performance ability overall, stating that they show a “fighting chance” against strong opponents.
Building on this confidence, Rodriguez noted that although he was mildly anxious, he has confidence in the group’s chemistry, stating “I have faith in this team.” Herold expressed excitement rather than pressure going into the event. “I’m feeling excited and ready to live the moment, including the stressful parts,” he said, pointing to the team’s recent qualifier performance as evidence that their team is “one of the best.”
Preparation for the state competition varies slightly from regular Thursday meetings, including extra practice sessions and study material. Zimmerman explained that the team normally runs through quizbowl sets, but recently shifted strategies. “Instead of just practicing the game, we’re studying material outside of school,” he said, describing how the team began printing out study packets to strengthen weaker areas and study outside of school. Rodriguez added that weekly Thursday practices were central to their preparation, explaining, “We will do simulated games in order to improve our knowledge, strategies, team synergy, and speed.”
In addition to regular practices, both Rodriguez and Herold noted that the team increases its workload before major tournaments. “During state competitions we will hold extra practices and generally try to pick up the slack on any areas we may be weaker,” Rodriguez said. Herold also mentioned that beyond Thursday meetings, the team gathers for additional sessions after school, with players often focusing on their individual subject strengths during free time.
The location of the competition also sparked various reactions. Zimmerman noted that while White County High School is accessible to most of the state as it’s in central Arkansas, he felt there are possibly better locations to commute to. Rodriguez described the setting more bluntly, saying, “it’s in the middle of nowhere,” though also acknowledged its central placement in the state. Despite its location, the competition carried stakes for the team. Zimmerman explained that placing first or second would allow teams to advance to another televised competition, where a cash prize may be rewarded and divided among team members.
Beyond awards and rankings, each player emphasized the personal meaning of Quiz Bowl. For Zimmerman, the activity is both academic and practical. “Knowledge is power,” he said, explaining that what he learns in Quiz Bowl helps him in school and “forces [him] to study more for classes that [he] wouldn’t normally.” Herold focuses more on the enjoyment of learning itself, noting that it is “fun to just learn interesting facts” and the ability to answer niche questions brings a sense of satisfaction.
Overall, while the state competition tests the team’s preparation and adaptability, it also reinforces their strengths and brings out areas of growth. As Zimmerman, Rodriguez, and Herold reflected, the experience ultimately strengthens both their knowledge and sense of team dynamic, setting the stage for future competitions and team members.
