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Lowellville Academic Challenge team pursues passion for knowledge
By Sarah Lehr
LOWELLVILLE
When they’re not competing, the members of Lowellville’s Academic Challenge team are making jokes about philosopher Friedrick Nietzsche, quantum physics, contemporary politics or psychotherapist Sigmund Freud.
The five members of the high school’s varsity Academic Challenge team advanced to national competition this spring and are unapologetic about their love of learning.
“We’re definitely what you would call, you know, ‘nerds,’” senior George Huncik said, drawing air quotes with his hands. “I wear that term as a badge of honor.”
The team members, also including senior Tony Nakley, senior Robert Chaibi, senior Michael Danzo and junior Nathan Williams, practice for hours every week.
“We learn by desire, not by obligation,” Huncik said. “That’s what makes us strong.”
Academic Challenge, also known as Quiz Bowl, tests understanding of subjects ranging from literature to mathematics to ancient history to popular culture.
Since all of human knowledge is fair game, Lowellville’s team employs a divide and conquer strategy. Each student focuses on his own favorite field of study.
“It doesn’t take a genius,” Danzo said. “It just takes enthusiasm about something.”
The students enjoy reading nonfiction in their free time, though they admit they also play video games. Their gaming know-how has helped them with certain questions, they said. Other Academic Challenge queries have referenced graphic novel character Captain Underpants and Beyonce’s latest album.
Academic Challenge rewards the competitors who are quickest to answer. Lowellville’s team members said that the time pressure gives them an adrenaline rush.
“Personally, I find watching an Academic Challenge event more exciting than watching a sports event” said Julia Menarchek, the team’s adviser and a Lowellville math teacher.
During national competition in Chicago, Lowellville ranked 25th out of 80 teams. It was the first time the team advanced to playoffs at the national level.