L to R: Nizhonia Schmidt, Tyler Kunde, Lucas Kunde, and Tyson Tubbs
The Easton Valley Quiz Bowl team wrapped up the 2023-2024 season this weekend in Chicago on a national stage in the NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournaments) Small School National Championship Tournament. After check-in on Friday, the River Hawks played ten rounds on Saturday beginning at 9:00 in the morning and finishing at 5:30 that afternoon. Eighty-eight teams from all over the U.S. competed in this invite, by qualification tournament. Teams had to have at least six wins to move on to the next rounds on Sunday.
The Riverhawks all freshmen crew won two games out of ten, an amazing feat considering they are competing in a national, varsity tournament composed of mostly seniors and juniors. Five of the ten teams the Riverhawks faced finished in the top twenty-five of the entire tournament. The River Hawks’ two wins were against Pettisville High School from Ohio and Weld Central from Colorado. The River Hawks also faced Centralia (Missouri), Macomb (Illinois), Cooperstown (New York), Ottawa Falls (Ohio), Plymouth (New Hampshire), Montgomery (Pennsylvania), Iowa (Louisiana), and Eldon (Missouri). Lucas and Tyson were the top scorers in the tournament for the Riverhawks. As strong leaders for their team, they came through with some real clutch moments including an end of the game tie-breaker with Weld Central. Tyler and Nizhonia were wonderful compliments to the two by adding their additional expertise and positive vibes throughout the competition.
Be sure to watch this group closely in the next few years, as I know more awesome things are to come. They are making academics cool again and showing the importance of a strong education. Did I also mention that they are just nice kids? As they continue to absorb information like sponges, their awesomeness will proceed to translate to their everyday lives. As their coach, I personally am enjoying being on this adventure with them and can’t wait for what is next to come. Stay tuned.