Region 9 to send six teams to the state Knowledge Bowl competition
By Mary Hillmann, Student Academics Program Manager
Knowledge Bowl is a fast-paced, team-based academic competition that challenges students to answer questions across a wide range of subjects, including history, science, literature, and current events. The competition consists of both written and oral rounds, testing participants' knowledge recall and critical thinking skills in a "Jeopardy-style" format.
On March 10, 110 teams participated in Senior High Knowledge Bowl from around the region including teams from Blue Earth, New Ulm Cathedral, Central, Cleveland, Fairmont, GFW, GHEC, Jordan, Lake Crystal, LeSueur Henderson, Loyola, Mankato East, Mankato West, Maple River, Martin County West, Minnesota New County School, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, New Ulm ,Nicollet, Owatonna, Sibley East, Sleepy Eye, St Clair, St James, St Mary's, St Peter, Tri City United, and United South Central.
Region 9 is set to send six teams to the state competition in April at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Leading Section A is the first-place team, the St. Clair Camel Camels (pictured), coached by Nicole Ruhland. Team members are Eli Bailey, Conner Van Erdewyk, Andrew Hurley, and Gavin Sorbo.
In second place is Sleepy Eye Black, coached by Mindy Berkner, Troy Vargness, and Alyssa Stevenson. The team includes Landon Wendinger, Damian Sanchez, Paige Haala, Anna Johnson, and Mateo Hornsby.
In Section AA, Minnesota Valley Lutheran Black secured first place under the leadership of coach Bradley Nehls. Team members are Jamis Martens, Ezra Spike, Joshua Carlovsky, and Drew Witte.
Taking second place in Region AA is Minnesota Valley Lutheran Blue, with team members Felicity Johnson, Claudia Weisensel, Levi LaPlant, and Henry Manthe.
Section AAA’s first-place team is New Ulm Purple, coached by Rob Bute and Steve Foley. Team members include Henry Albrecht, Sophie Berger, Ben Groebner, Ryan Martinka, and Cullen Slette.
Finishing in second place in Region AAA is Owatonna Black, coached by Dan Saehler and Dean Smith. Team members are Abdullahi Dahir, Ayoub Farah, Asher Penn, Tyler Sheehan, and Tanner Smith.
The Spirit Award was given to GFW Red for Region A, recognizing the team for their outstanding enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and positive attitude throughout the competition. This award is typically presented to a team that demonstrates exceptional teamwork, encouragement of others, and a strong commitment to the values of Knowledge Bowl. Maple River Brain Pink won the Spirit Award for Region AA and New Ulm Auburn for Region AAA.
Knowledge Bowl is administered for Region 9 by South Central Service Cooperative. For more information about Knowledge Bowl, please visit mnscsc.org/kb.