The University’s Academic Team placed third at the College Bowl championship tournament April 21-23 at the University of Hartford.
The showing marks the University’s highest finish at College Bowl nationals since twice coming in second, in 1980 and 1984.
Sophomore Andrew Brantley was the eighth-highest scoring individual and earned national “all-star” status.
“Successful quiz bowl teams have a broad knowledge base, have great anticipation and can communicate well with one another,” said Steve Frappier, associate director of admissions and adviser to the team. “Of course, answering the questions correctly is a big plus, too, and we were able to do a lot of that in the championship.”
Sixteen of the nearly 200 programs nationwide qualified for the championship. To qualify, a team must hold an open on-campus tournament in the fall semester and then win its designated regional tournament, which the WUSTL squad did in February.
This year’s team comprised Matthew Schneider, graduate student in Arts & Sciences; Jonathan Pinyan, junior; Kathleen Shen, freshman; and Brantley. Junior Ryan Jacobson qualified but was unable to participate.
“We have a talented group of incoming freshmen who will be joining us, and without any graduating seniors on the squad, we are definitely looking forward to the tournament circuit next academic year,” Frappier said.