Scholars bowl over competition
Sports reporter
"Jeopardy!" ain't got nothing on Marion High School Scholars' Bowl team.
OK, so maybe it has $20,000 prizes for the winners, but, hey, the students aren't doing it for the money. (And I'm sure they could easily pick out the incorrect grammar in the opening paragraph.)
Coach Doug Vogel, in his 19th season, and his MHS Scholars' Bowl team (sometimes called "quiz bowl"), practice every Monday and Wednesday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. to prepare for meets during the winter season.
At each competition the teams try to answer as many questions as possible out of 16. Each team receives 10 points for a correct answer, and minus five points for a wrong answer if they buzz in early.
No points are lost if a team gives an incorrect answer after listening to the entire question.
So far this year the team has taken first place at Moundridge, third at another meet, and just missed making pool play in the third. Like any activity at a smaller school, Vogel rarely has all his team members present for a practice because they are involved in other activities as well.
Vogel said some of his students are "chomping at the bit" to compete because they have had other activities take up their time.
Forensics, debate, and scholars' bowl overlap during the season, but none of the regional or state competitions are at the same time.
"They all work real well together," Vogel said of the three groups juggling team members.
Staying focused
Once a scholars' bowl match starts, the Warriors forget all their other responsibilities and are focused and ready to answer questions that come from the subjects of social studies, math, English/grammar, science, fine arts, and sports/year in review.
Junior Matt Thierolf, who has been competing since middle school and is a part of the MHS football team, said preparing for Scholars' Bowl is much different than doing so for a big football game.
"You can't do much," he said. "You don't know what each team has."
So instead of focusing on the opponent, Thierolf and his teammates just fill their heads with as much knowledge as possible.
"I watch game shows," Thierolf said about part of his regime of practice.
Dane Purkeypile, a freshman on the team, said he wanted to join because he enjoyed math class competitions in Marj Sandberg's sixth grade class.
"She always pulled out the little buzzers," Purkeypile said. "That was cool."
Trying for state
So, while the matches may not be as intense as football or basketball games, the scholars enjoy what they do and take it seriously as well.
But that doesn't mean they can't be easygoing while competing.
"Some people get really into it," Thierolf said. "I'm pretty laid back and relaxed. I just try to have fun."
Vogel said his team has a mix of members like Thierolf, and some that are more intense.
"I have some kids who are real focused, and it's their main thing," he said. "They are determined to do the best they can, and have some goals in mind."
It all seems to change come regional time, because if they do well there, it's on to state.
MHS has competed at the state competition, which is recognized by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, but has not brought home a state title.
Vogel can boast however that some of his team members have gone on to be doctors and found success in other fields, however he is quick to note not everyone on his team are 4.0 students. They are smart, quick thinkers on their feet.
"I always said when I want a doctor, I want someone who can think it out," Vogel said with a laugh.
At least there isn't a medical category during competition.
Scholars' bowl team members include: Patrick Hodson, Landon Leiker, E.J. Obermeyer, Adam Palic, Dane Purkeypile, Derek Stuchlik, Sam Ehrlich, Louis Holt, Colton Olsen, Eric Vogel, Bethany Maddox, Matt Thierolf, Seth Banning, Joe Norris, Brett Billings, and Jessica Vogel.
