I received this message today for those who are interested:
Dear Coaches,
Last year, we began the adventure of creating a brand new league for schools, particularly smaller schools, who wanted tournaments based upon a student-friendly format and questions geared towards what they are already learning. Understanding that students in smaller schools are often involved in a large number of extracurricular actiivites and do not have the time to study extra packets of information, but who still love learning and sharing new knowledge with a peer group in a non-stressful environment. For our first tournament, we had 44 teams – and we had a tremendous time!
This year, we would like to have at least 4 tournaments and more if possible. Our first tournament is now set. It will be at Wickliffe High School on October 17. There will be at least 3 divisions, and 4 if possible – 5th/6th Grade, Middle School/Junior High (6th-9th grade with no more than two 9th graders per team), HS JV (if we have enough teams at this level), and HS Varsity. If we do not have enough HS JV, they will be folded into the HS division.
In order to have a combination of question types, each match will have four rounds – although slightly shorter than last year’s in order to keep the matches to 30 minutes or under. Warm-up (toss-up), Toss-up/Bonus, Alphabet Soup (team round), and Race to the Finish (toss-up).
We would also like to have a tournament in December and/ or January. All teams are also invited to the Great Lakes Regional at John Carroll University on Feb. 20. Then we can have tournaments in March, April, and/or May. I can host at least one at Hawken. Would anyone else like to host – I’d help set up the tournament for anyone who does.
Cost of the tournament is $30 per team. If your team(s) would like to attend or you want more information, let me know. If you can bring readers/buzzers, please let us know that as well.
I am currently going from several different lists, and hope to pare down to an unduplicated list as soon as possible. In the meantime, I apologize if you receive duplicate copies of this invitation.
Thanks,
Pat Jewell
Academic Challenge Coach
Hawken Middle School
Wickliffe High School