A Tourney & A Throwdown

Two from the Cloud QB squad

White Cloud Splashes Victories at Swim N Win!
by Coach Stephen Smith
Splish splashing into quiz bowl action over the weekend, the White Cloud Varsity Quiz Bowl team competed at the Swim N’ Win Tournament held at Kalamazoo Christian High School on December 7, 2024. The invitational featured 24 teams hailing from Michigan and Indiana. The White Cloud Indians posted a record of 5-3 against high caliber teams with experience at both the state and national level. While the team finished in 7th place overall, the Indians were 2nd place amongst Class C-D squads, qualifying for NAQT Nationals yet again in the process.
In morning pool play, the quintessential quartet vanquished DeWitt A 230-65, triumphed over White Pigeon D 180-20, and dismantled Roscommon 205-120. The courageous contingent faltered against St Joseph A (IN) (135-220), but bounced back, trouncing Kalamazoo Christian B (155-90). Pool time in the afternoon matches started with a victory against St. Joseph B (235-125). The energetic ensemble unfortunately fell to a dominant Traverse City Central A squad and to a resurgent Holland A lineup to conclude the tournament. Nonetheless, the terrific team amassed an impressive 1,340 points for the competition and is continuing to build into a force to be reckoned with in the future.
In a whirlpool of scoring, Senior Captain Wyatt Karnes soaked the competition with an impressive 205 points, which led the team. Jarrett Warlick unleashed a tidal surge of 195 points, drenching the competition in yet another standout performance. Liam Povey provided a steady current of points with 90, keeping the team afloat during crucial rounds. Mason D’Lamater splashed in with 70 points, providing an amazingly well-balanced team effort for the outing. Look to see the formidable foursome back in action next year at the Mitten Cup II held in Mt. Pleasant and the CSAA League starting on January 15, 2025. The team would like to thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie and Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, parents, staff, donors, and all the good people in the community for their support as well. 

Cloud Battles at Spartan Harvest Throwdown
by Coach Stephen Smith
Continuing to ferociously attack any level of quiz bowl opposition, the White Cloud Varsity combatants ventured to yet another autumnal clash on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The Spartan Harvest Throwdown, held under the auspices of Michigan State University’s Academic Competition, featured 28 top-tier programs and 118 exceptional players, hailing from across the state of Michigan. With enthusiasm unknown to mankind, the Indians (6-4) battled all day and night in preparation for conference, state, and national contests.
In the morning rounds, the “quizessential” quintet experienced considerable success against tremendously talented teams. Snapping off three consecutive victories, the fearsome foursome dispatched DeWitt C (280-210), dominated Brethren (325-75), and triumphed over Kalamazoo Christian B in a tightly contested battle (190-180). Okemos C outlasted the Indians in a close game (240-250) to round out the morning matches. Maneuvering into the afternoon session, White Cloud’s contingent faltered against John Adams B and Grosse Pointe South, who finished second overall in the tournament. In a thrilling comeback, the incredible Indians defeated Detroit Catholic Central D on the final question with a result of 195-185. 
As the academic throwdown moved into the evening, the exuberant ensemble picked up a victory against Ludington A. The valiant victors showcased their stamina and endurance in the late stages of the tournament by avenging their early morning loss to Okemos C with a win (185-65). The sole defeat for the mighty Cloud warriors was against Williamston B (90-190). The hardship of defeat will undoubtedly lead to more success in the future at state and national competitions. Nevertheless, White Cloud remained the highest rated Class C-D team in the invitational with a 14th place finish.
Looking at the exploits of individual players, the sensational squad was led by senior Jarrett Warlick, who unloaded in a scoring barrage of 330 points, earning himself accolades as the 18th overall scorer. Exhibiting yet another quality outing for himself, Captain Wyatt Karnes blasted out 205 points, placing 41st out of 118 performers. Contributing a healthy portion, Liam Povey popped off 110 points. Mason D’Lamater fired up 50 points, and Brian Loveless capped off 15, as the pair platooned in the fourth spot on the gallant group.
Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, assistant coaches Arnie Baker, Kiranna Reynolds, and Cameron Karnes and Dallas Dowling. In addition, the team would like to extend their gratitude to all the parents, teachers, staff, administrators, donors, and community members who support the team. Without you, none of the team’s success would be possible. 
The White Cloud Varsity players will be back in action Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Kalamazoo Christian for the Swim N’ Win Tournament.