By Coach Stephen Smith Over Veterans Day weekend, American flags waved proudly, servicemen and women were honored, and the wholesome competitive action of quiz bowl prevailed. With such a special occasion on hand, the White Cloud Quiz Bowl teams traversed through brisk autumnal climes and adventured to the 17th Annual Holland Quiz Bowl Invitational. The early, chilly morning transformed into a magnificently sunny fall afternoon as the White Cloud Varsity A (6-2) bounced back into action, winning against John Adams B, IN (175-135) in their opening match. The Indians decisively defeated Saint Joseph A (205-120), a perennial state championship team hailing from Indiana. Continuing to triumph valiantly, the team dispatched St. Joseph B, MI (160-85) and brilliantly crushed Rockford (235-40). The Varsity faltered against Grand Ledge (130-280), the eventual champion of the tournament to round out the morning matches. Battling in the afternoon, the contingent routed St. Joseph A, MI (220-50), won a thriller in the last seconds against John Adams C, IN (155-150), but were outgained by John Adams B (105-230) in a rematch from earlier in the day. While the Varsity engaged in tremendously stiff competition from Class A schools from both Michigan and Indiana, the reigning Class C-D State Champions from White Cloud scored 1,385 total points and remained the highest rated team in their division at the tournament. In the process, the formidable foursome qualified to nationals yet again on the season. The Varsity team was led in scoring by Senior Captain Brian Schaefer with an astonishingly impressive 300 points. Jarrett Warlick flexed his academic knowledge with 125 points, his highest total in a tournament to date. Wyatt Karnes followed up closely with a healthy portion of 115 points, and Samuel Viher tossed in an additional 45 while assisting exponentially on bonus questions. Gaining incredible amounts of experience for the future, the White Cloud Varsity B competed against powerhouse schools scoring 365 total points, which will certainly prepare them for victories in conference play. The quartet lost a few heartbreakers by only 5 points showcasing the team’s grit and fight through difficulty. The squad was led in scoring by Senior Captain Annie Feldpausch with 110 points. Anna Mohr followed behind closely with 70 points, and Charlotte Karnes chipped in with 30 points. Samantha Kukal helped out the team by answering bonus questions. In JV divisional gameplay, the White Cloud JV A (6-2) performed exceptionally, accumulating 530 team points. The JV A group earned a third-place spot in the rankings, winning against White Cloud JV B (60-40), Rockford JV (80-50), Holland JV A (70-65), Culver (90-60), Holland JV B (105-60), Ionia JV B (50-20). The JV A fell to Ionia JV A (60-130) and Kalamazoo Christian JV (15-110), who was the eventual trophy winner for the JV division. Leading the team in scoring was Sophomore Captain Liam Povey with an outstanding 310 points. Tyler Higgins erupted for 120 points. Landon Edwards provided 20 more points, and Zeke Hensley notched 10 points, his first of the season. Jay Fessenden provided support on bonus opportunities. The White Cloud JV B competed as well, scoring 185 total points. Leading the team in scoring was Trysten Tancock with a fantastic 135 points followed by Freshmen Captain Arsyn Balke’s 40 points. Rhoen Wade picked up 10 points and so did Quin Rose, his first as a new player. Kacie Kailing assisted with bonuses and morale. Finally, the White Cloud JV C (4-4) amassed 495 total points as a team, netting victories over Holland JV B (110-55), Rockford (110-70), White Cloud JV B (25-15), and Ionia JV A (85-55). Mason D’Lamater, the team’s captain, exploded with 175 points. Brian Loveless followed quickly with 120 points. Brayden Perdue added another 20 points. Annabelle Bird contributed 10 more, and Leah Vining scored 10, her first points as a player. All in all, contingents enjoyed considerable amounts of success on the day. Coach Stephen Smith and the entire White Cloud Quiz Bowl team would like to thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and assistant coaches Allison McPhall, Arnie Baker, Dallas Dowling, and Tracy Trimm for their unwavering support. Parental assistance with transportation and meal preparation is also much appreciated. The team’s success would not be possible without everyone’s involvement. Up next, the Varsity squad will be back in action Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Kalamazoo Christian for the Swim N’ Win Tournament.
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