Bayfield High School's varsity Knowledge Bowl members are crossing their fingers.
With a bit of luck, they'll quality for the state tournament.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, the teams hosted the Southwest Regional Knowledge Bowl tournament. Nine schools attended, with 15 teams competing in the academic competition.
The BHS Varsity team of Red Wageman, AJ Swenk, Andrew Stumpf, Weslee Blakeslee, and Tia Holden took third place, behind champions Ouray and second-place Ridgway.
"Unfortunately for all of us, one of our most vital team members, Logan White, was unable to compete due to health reasons," said Coach Roxanne Henderson. The BHS junior varsity team of Linda Stephenson, Liam Smith and Morgan Smith took first place, beating out Dolores in the JV category. "We will find out in a few weeks if our score of 80 points was enough to qualify our team for the State Tournament in March," Henderson added.
Sebastian Sporl, Nate Kvech, Jacob Gullion and Kira Wennerstrom competed for BHS as a second team in the varsity competition, as well.
Henderson thanked Skills USA students and advisor Curtis Gillespie for creating the tournament's award plaques.
"Special thanks to Jerry Brush, Lisa Paulek, Barb Wickman, Tara Howard (briefly returning from retirement) and Tim Stumpf, all of whom gave up an entire Saturday to support these kiddos with reading and timing," Henderson said.
"Also, Rep. Barb McLachlan, from House District 59 came in as a guest reader in what we call the 'top' room, for the final round! The competitors had fun with that!"
