Brain Bowl team headed to nationals
The Fort Morgan Middle School Brain Bowl team is preparing to take on the challenge of the NAQT National Academic Quiz Tournaments.
The team, consisting of Isabella Norton, Olivia Hochanadel, Jacob Whitney, CJ Ponce, and Evelyn Zeglis, led by first-year coach Derek Reed, has earned their place at nationals not just by winning but also by showcasing their talents, finishing second in the region for points. They are the only team representing the state of Colorado.
The conference is taking place from May 10-12 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. The team will participate in eight matches on Saturday, which will determine their eligibility for Sunday’s playoff rounds.
This is an invitation-only event. To qualify, you had to have won your state competition or finish in the top 15% of schools nationwide in points at the Optimist Brain Bowl. Reed’s team finished second in the region for points. There are 25 schools on the waitlist, and another 15 are on standby and will fly to the competition in case someone doesn’t come.
The school district and gifted and talented coordinator stepped up to the plate and made sure that these students were able to go and do something great. They represent Fort Morgan Middle School and Fort Morgan in general. “Without their contributions, we would not have been able to go,” Reed said.
The Brain Bowl team’s story is one of resilience, intellect, and the unwavering spirit of a community that stands behind its future leaders. As they embark on this journey, they are not just competitors but ambassadors of Fort Morgan, ready to make their mark on the national academic stage.
Sunrise Optimist Shelly Bristol, who works with the Brain Bowl event each year in Fort Morgan, said, “Congratulations to these students for a great job. We are excited for them to have this experience and opportunity. We wish them the best of luck.”
Principal Chad Unrein said, “I am super proud of the work that this team, leadership and coaches have put in. It’s great to see a group of students who have worked so hard to represent us be able to have this experience. We’re proud. This is just one of the many great things we do in Fort Morgan.”