The Marist Academic Team: Where Academics, Fun, and Competition Meet

Also sometimes called quiz bowl, the Academic Team involves a group of students applying their knowledge and speed of recall to answer questions across a broad spectrum of academics. Topic areas include literature, history, science, mathematics, geography, philosophy, religion, mythology, art, history, classical music, social sciences, and pop culture.

 

The individual component is similar to Jeopardy (although more academic), while the team component involves players working together to answer a series of related questions. One player is not expected to know everything; oftentimes the best teams are comprised of players who are each passionate about and specialize in one or more subjects.

Competing locally, statewide, and nationally, the Marist Academic Team has approximately 25 students participating on the Foundations (7th and 8th grade), junior varsity, and varsity levels. This year, the team is the defending JV State Champion and Varsity Runner-up. The team also finished 57th nationally at the PACE National Championships in Chicago.

 

While some aspects of the Academic Team are different this year as a result of the global pandemic, the program continues on and has moved to virtual competitions. Moderator and Math Teacher Mr. Rand Wise said, “The Academic Team is a great way for students to apply what they learn in classes, going deeper into topics but also discovering subjects such as philosophy, art history, and classical music among other topics that are not typically covered in their classes.”

 

Mr. Wise has been involved with academic teams since his own college days and has coached Marist’s team for the last seven years. He described how grueling the competitions can be and marveled at the students’ hard work and perseverance. A recent virtual tournament based in Kansas City, Missouri, resulted in an 11-hour-long competition for the participants. He also said how much fun the team has together and shared, “It’s a blessing to be involved in the team. The kids are just amazing—really great people and great students.”

Andrew Washington ’21 has been a member of the Academic Team for the past four years. He has enjoyed his time with the team and will be sad to leave when he graduates this spring. Andrew said, “I think even more than the tournaments, our practice time is really where we create our bonds as a team. Obviously, with COVID-19, it looks a bit different this year…I still feel like some of my closest friendships have been made through my experience with the team.”

Andrew Hamby ’22 also values his Academic Team experience and enjoys the “opportunity to use the knowledge I have acquired throughout high school to compete with others."

 

Claire Markwalter ’24 is part of a powerful sibling trio and is joined by her brothers Everett ’22 and Russell ’25 on the team. Claire said that in addition to having fun, “you meet the best people on the team and get to hang out and talk about trivia."
 
For Lola Hamilton ’22, the Academic Team is an experience that helps her realize her strengths as an individual and within a team. She said, “I've never really been the strongest or most skilled player on any sports team, but with the Academic Team that really doesn't matter as much. On the team, any small, specific piece of knowledge is valuable to a great extent. As a result, each player is just as valuable as any other. That atmosphere really contributed to my ability to feel like a valuable part of the team and my ability to work harder for the benefit of all of us.”

 

Good luck to the Marist Academic Team as they prepare for the upcoming Junior Varsity and Varsity State Championships!