At Montague High School, a group of students is putting their knowledge to the test in a fast-paced, competitive setting—Quiz Bowl. The team, which thrives on quick thinking and subject expertise, is a mix of students with diverse interests and academic strengths.
From PA Announcements to the Competition Floor
For some team members, joining Quiz Bowl was an unexpected yet rewarding decision. Mason Bromley, one of the team’s participants, was encouraged to join by his friend, Ethan Sandoval. “I was originally not going to join, but then I decided to get myself more active,” he explained. Gabriel Hathaway, another member, was drawn in after hearing about it over the PA system and receiving recommendations from multiple people.
Each competitor brings their own strengths to the team. Hathaway specializes in history, while Bromley thrives in geography. “I’m just used to looking at maps, and it’s fun for me,” Bromley said. However, not all subjects come easily. Literature, and particularly authors, pose the biggest challenge for the team. “Authors are the worst subject by far,” Hathaway admitted with a laugh.
Practice Makes Perfect
The team prepares for competitions through mock Quiz Bowl matches, where they split into two groups to simulate real tournament conditions. They also mix things up with board games that test their trivia skills in a fun, interactive way. While they train hard, unexpected moments still arise—such as an infamous question about an author that led a teammate to confidently answer, “Michelle Obama.”
One of the biggest challenges they’ve faced so far was competing against Spring Lake, a well-known powerhouse in the competition scene. “We got destroyed there,” the team admitted, acknowledging the high level of competition. However, they see every match as an opportunity to improve and sharpen their reflexes. “It’s cool to see how quick some people can answer the questions.”
A Game for Everyone
Despite the high-pressure atmosphere, the team emphasizes that Quiz Bowl is for everyone—regardless of whether they consider themselves a “genius.” “If you don’t think you’re smart enough, it doesn’t matter. There are always going to be people who know certain subjects and some who don’t,” Bromley pointed out.
At its core, Quiz Bowl is a test of knowledge, teamwork, and confidence. As Hathaway put it, “It’s really just Jeopardy!, but without the real money—just points.”
With a competitive spirit and a passion for learning, the Montague Quiz Bowl team continues to push themselves, proving that a little knowledge—and a lot of fun—go a long way.
