After winning its first two matches, the scholastic bowl team is proving it has what it takes to compete in the televised “Battle of the Brains.”
The team’s come-from-behind victory over Isle of Wight Academy aired on the weekly “Battle of the Brains” show on WTVR CBS 6 in October. The team’s second win was over Franklin City High School and is scheduled to air in February.
Social studies teacher Vincent Boggs sponsors the team.
“The students, if you ask them, really have a lot of fun doing it,” Mr. Boggs said. “I think it’s pretty cool to say you’re on TV.”
Five seniors are on the team, and four of them compete in each match of the single-elimination tournament. Kiana Warren has been on the team since it was formed last year.
“We all pretty much agreed that we needed a team to represent Varina since every other school in the district had one,” Kiana said. “The benefit of having a team here shows that we not only dominate in sports, but we do have some really smart people.”
The team is also scheduled to compete in regional qualifier for the National Association of Quiz Tournaments in December and the Capital District tournament early next year.
The team practices up to four hours a week by competing against each other and studying areas of weakness. Team members Michael Tilghman and Jacob Bowman said teamwork is their key to success.
“[It’s] not one person knowing everything,” Michael said. “All five of us know a little bit about everything.”
“I think everyone on the team stands equally with each other,” Jacob said. “We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.”
The last time Varina had a scholastic bowl team was 2003. Principal Tracie Omohundro said she approached Mr. Boggs about putting together a team last year after watching an episode of “Battle of the Brains.”
“It showcases a different side of Varina,” Mrs. Omohundro said. “It’s so nice to highlight something different.”
Mr. Boggs is recruiting underclassmen to join the team to fill in positions when the seniors graduate.
Team member Alpha Mansaray and captain Jimmy Moran said all of their hard work is well worth it.
“I’ve really enjoyed it because I get to show what I know,” Alpha said.
“It looks really good for colleges, and it’s just really fun,” Jimmy said.
The next “Battle of the Brains” competition is scheduled for January.
“I look forward to hopefully going all the way,” Michael said.
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