The 'Eagle Times' Student Newspaper

Scholars Bowl members work their brains over some current event questions during a practice over study time. (Photo by Heather Herrmann)

Scholars surmount solutions

By Calla Mounkes

February 02, 2007

"What is the capital of Morocco?" Ten seconds. Go!

Caught off guard? This trivia may seem trivial to the typical person. However, this query has likely met the frustrated groans and pleased buzzer noises of Scholars' Bowl participants who are either stumped by the moderator's statement or astounded at the rapidness of the answer "Rabat" springing to their lips.

Every year from mid-October to early February, many students participate in Scholars' Bowl activities. Judy Hamilton, fourth-year veteran, has coached the team through its miniscule numbers.

The team, though sparsely populated, has always abounded with knowledge, as it should considering the task at hand, or rather, brain. This year has not disappointed, according to Hamilton.

"It's been great to see some kids participate more readily, and the team as a whole has shown improvement, but not consistently," said Hamilton.

This year's members included seniors Danielle Bulson, Emy Ladner, Jill Lira, Nick deSouza, Austin Blush, Erin Workman, and Calla Mounkes; junior Michelle Taylor; sophomores Jay McDaniel, Cory Chockley, JaVon Martin, and Derek Bledsoe; and freshman Peter Ruby.

Unfortunately, the team was defeated both at the league and at the regional competition. League hosts and champions Riley County proved a difficult adversary for the home team. During rounds, the Rossville team overcame Silver Lake, but the team retaliated by crushing their arch-rival in the finals, unfortunately to no avail. The team left with third place.

At the regional competition, tough questions and even tougher opponents overwhelmed the team, leaving them behind. Maur Hill, Kansas City Christian, and Jefferson County North qualified for the state competition on Feb. 10 in Hutchinson, Kan.

Below are the meets in which the team competed.

10/16/06 Silver Lake (Fr/So)

10/24/06 Northern Heights (V)

11/2/06 Topeka West (Fr/So)

11/7/06 Wamego (Fr/So)

11/16/06 Wamego (V)

11/20/06 Onaga (V) (2^nd place)

12/14/06 Hayden (V)

1/8/07 Rossville (JV)

1/22/07 Riley County (League)

1/25/07 Oskaloosa (JV)

1/29/07 Rossville (V)