WB Academic Challenge team celebrates seniors

BELOIT- The West Branch Academic Challenge team celebrated its seven senior team members before a match against United Feb. 1.

After school, and before their rival team arrived, the seniors were presented with fanfare as the pep band played. Each of the seven West Branch seniors was introduced and greeted with cheers from their fellow team members and loved ones in attendance. The group celebrated with pizza and chocolate cake before the match against United Local.

The West Branch Academic Challenge team is made up of 16 team members (six varsity players and 10 junior varsity players) who work together in groups of four as they compete to gain the most points in the trivia competition with other local districts. The team begins practicing in October and competes in seven season rounds before entering the area tournament in February.

With points on the line, teams must calculate the opportune time to "buzz" in to answer a question considering the system of points has an increased risk for incorrect answers, but a higher reward for correct answers depending on which point in the reading the question is answered. In each round, four team members work together, collaborating to gain the most points against their opponents, strategizing as they work their way through trivia questions.

"I appreciate the memories you made for me and the teamwork you put forward," said Allyson Hartzell, Academic Challenge team president to her close-knit team during senior night. The team celebrated three wins out of the four matches between JV and Varsity against United.

The West Branch Academic Challenge team will participate in two more regular season rounds before the area elimination tournament begins Feb. 22.