Tuesday, November 23, was the first round of competition for the Mount Vernon Quiz Bowl Team, and they placed first in the HHC. They continued to finals on Thursday, November 25th, and again placed first, making this the first time in 24 years that MV has won the quiz bowl conference.  

The team’s final round was against Pendleton Heights, who they beat 22-20. They were led by english teacher Mr. Ragan and team captain Matthew Boyle, 12.

“Winning the Quiz Bowl competition was extremely shocking and stunning for the team,” said Boyle, 12.  “We got 7th out of 8 teams last year, and the expectations were very low for this year. However, at this year’s competition, we just could not lose. We won match after match, and I have no idea how it was happening.”  

Boyle continued, “We headed into the final round, and I was actually extremely nervous. This was a big event for our school because the tournament was actually for a conference championship, and we were the number 1 seed. The round began, and the same thing happened, we just could not lose.

“Every player on our team made a huge contribution, and I feel as though that is why we were so good. In the championship, we came out hot, but soon cooled down, and the game was down to the wire. When we secured the win with 1 question left, I was extremely happy and also proud to be on such a great team.”

Boyle found working with such a diverse team important to their success.

“Each and every person was such a big part, and it was just so much fun to be a part of,” he said. “We were all so different, but as a team, we had a great time. Mt. Vernon’s first Quiz Bowl championship was a long time in the making, and I am extremely proud to be the captain of the first winning team in our school’s history.”