Searcy, AR (LP)– The Searcy High School Quiz Bowl team has built a reputation for success, bringing home trophies and dominating competitions for many years. The team has even hosted invitational tournaments in the past, representing the school at a high level. However, for the first time in its history, the team took on an entirely new challenge—hosting a tournament that was completely student-led.
In preparation, students worked diligently for several weeks, crafting more than 700 questions that would be used in competition. The process required careful research, teamwork, and a deep understanding of a wide range of academic subjects. Quiz bowl coach Rachel McCready recognized the dedication the students showed in putting together the tournament.
“Our students wrote all of the questions for our invitational tournament, which was well over 700 questions,” McCready said. The coach continued on the hidden lessons learned within such a hosting, and the skills they benefit from it. “Getting to both moderate games and judge challenges also helped our students gain confidence in the Quiz Bowl process as they were able to work on the technical side of the games,” McCready said.
The experience of hosting the tournament was about more than just competition—it was an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, learn how to handle challenges under pressure, and see the inner workings of an academic event from a different perspective.
As for the students, Senior Sophie Sutterfield-Quails played a key role in the tournament’s success, stepping into a leadership position that required her to moderate matches—something she had never done before. “Conflicts would arise when we would make mistakes— like within one room where a team got mad for reading a question wrong—but it taught us to adapt quicker and learn new skills,” Sutterfield-Quails said. The senior continued on her process of the tournament, where she learned something new— responsibility. “A lot of responsibility came with the task of a completely student-led invitational tournament,” Sutterfield-Quails said.
While competing is at the heart of Quiz Bowl, preparation is just as important. Every Monday after school, the team meets for practice in Mrs. Simpson’s room, setting up buzzers and running full games to sharpen their reflexes and knowledge. Sometimes, they hold learning-based sessions where a teacher or guest speaker leads a deep discussion into a subject area. In addition to their typical practice, this is where the students would craft their questions in preparation.
With the team looking ahead to the Regional Tournament, McCready hopes more students will consider joining Quiz Bowl and become a part of the program’s legacy. “I would encourage any student who enjoys learning, having a community, and competing to join Quiz Bowl,” McCready said. The coach continued and expressed that you don’t have to be an academic genius to join the Quiz Bowl team— it’s about the commitment a student is willing to put in. “You don’t have to know everything. The important thing is that you enjoy learning and are willing to grow. You can stick to one skill that you excel in for Quiz Bowl. Are you a history buff, a literature lover, or know way too much about pop culture or sports? Quiz Bowl might be for you!” McCready said.
For students looking to challenge themselves academically, gain valuable leadership experience, and be part of a competitive yet welcoming team, Quiz Bowl is a place to thrive and with the continuation of future student-led Quiz Bowl invitationals— a student has even more to prosper in.
