By Viktoria Buckman
ROGERS, ARK. — With a wide variety of questions, Quiz Bowl requires extensive knowledge of topics from history to mathematics. That extensive knowledge took Haas Hall at the Lane’s Junior High Quiz Bowl team to regional and state competitions, wrapping up a successful 2023-2024 season.
With sportsmanship from the team and support from the coach, Cole Farmer-Witlow, the Junior High Quiz Bowl team was able to show off during the regional tournament in Centerton by placing third.
According to Farmer-Witlow, “Liam Zimmerman and Grayson Clark scored more than average five questions a game,” mentioning their teamwork, “When you work together, you can make a great team.”
The team’s dedication is not only shown in the competitions, but also practice. “They’re invested in it,” according to Farmer-Witlow. “They’ll stay two days a week after school, I only require one, but most will come twice a week.” Farmer-Witlow typically steps aside during practices, “ I kinda let them lead their practice, cause I like to see how that goes. They have really matured throughout the season; they’re always thinking about strategies.”
Zimmerman, a ninth grader, started Quiz Bowl in fourth grade and will continue into Senior High Quiz Bowl next year, “All the knowledge and stuff has just been coming naturally to me; I like learning.”
When preparing through the season for their competitions, they also traveled to different tournaments for the Senior High Quiz Bowl. “We do go to the harder invitationals, just to get that pressure on early,” according to Farmer-Witlow. Going to the more challenging invitationals gives the Junior High Quiz Bowl team a chance to feel comfortable with various questions and learn more.
Going to the tournaments has opened Zimmerman’s friend group as well, “I’ve made friends at the tournaments from other teams.”
While the freshmen members are excited about joining the Senior High team and more challenging tournaments next year, Farmer-Witlow will stay working with the Junior High Quiz Bowl team to make next season an even bigger hit. Congrats to the Junior High Quiz Bowl team for having a great season!
