Westport Quiz Bowlers going to nationals

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Westport Quiz Bowl members practice their trigger techniques: (standing from left) Alan Ware, Bo McKinley, Kelsey Carroll, and Emile Goss and (sitting) Devin Martin and Kenneth Russell. Absent team members: Nathan Gay and Michael Bodner. Staff Photo/Alvin Reiner

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May 22, 2010

'It's the most enjoyable and intellectual extra-curricular activity'

By ALVIN REINER Staff Writer The Press Republican Sat May 22, 2010, 03:28 AM EDT

WESTPORT — With brains in gear, it's full speed ahead as Westport Central School's Quiz Bowl team heads to New Orleans for the national competition.

Throughout the winter, the Westport team went to tournaments in Queensbury to compete against about 30 other schools.

Being the northernmost team (Crown Point and Ticonderoga also participated), Westport went up against schools with more than 10 times its student body.

While knowledge is paramount, it also takes quick reflexes to activate the trigger of the signaling device — and students need a self-confident mentality to want to push it.

"It's the most enjoyable and intellectual extra-curricular activity I've been in," said Devin Martin, who is in his fourth Quiz Bowl year.

"It builds chemistry among us. We struggle with some subjects, but I have been able to pick up a lot of math and literature."

Kelsey Carroll, who has also been on the team for four years, said, "It's nice to meet with a group and to do something that's academically challenging."

"Being on the Quiz Bowl team has definitely helped with friendships," fellow teammate Alan Ware said. "I've become a smarter person, especially with my knowledge base on vocabulary, as well as random facts."

To Kevin Russell, being on the Quiz Bowl team is great fun.

"I've even learned different flavors of ice cream," he said. "There are things I never thought I would need to learn, and many of them have proven useful."

"It can be challenging," Emile Goss said. "I like spending time with the rest of the team."

For Bo McKinley, being on this team is a different high-school experience.

"It's a great escape from all of the sports I've played. I particularly like the relaxed, competitive environment."

Team co-adviser Dan McCormick said they are closing in on their goal of raising $6,000 for the national event, to be held over Memorial Day weekend.

"Quiz Bowl is a change of pace for these students. It's engaging and stimulating, as well as very competitive," McCormick said.

"Dan's the clown, and I'm the serious one," mused co-adviser Cheryl Phillips. "I enjoy the practices and watching the kids gain confidence through the weeks of competitions. Even the practices can be competitive. The students surprise themselves with their recall."

Westport Superintendent Dr. John Gallagher is proud of the accomplishments of the Quiz Bowl team.

"Whether it's the Quiz Bowl, music, athletics or other activities, they all get so deeply involved in what they are doing," he said. "It's amazing how well they do against much larger schools."