Story By Coach Stephen Smith In an existential quest to earn their rightful place among the hallowed ranks of our program's lore, the White Cloud Quiz Bowl team ventured to Chicago to face off against the nation's fiercest competition. The NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament comprised three divisions, boasting 826 players from 143 teams, representing 127 schools across 35 states. More specifically, the White Cloud Indians competed against teams hailing from Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania Tennessee, and Wisconsin. Smashing into the competition during the preliminary rounds, White Cloud (8-4 overall) demonstrated their academic excellence by shattering Happy Valley, TN (325-180), crushing Homer Center, PA (330-60), pounding Evansville B, WI (370-70), thumping Casey County, KY (290-205), and ended the morning matches with a drubbing of Salem, OH (270-130). With the commencement of the afternoon session, the sensational squad clinched a playoff berth with an impressive victory over Butler, MO (285-165). In an excruciatingly tight match with the closest of margins possible, the exquisite ensemble faltered against New Berlin, IL (230-235). The Indians were bested by Weston, MA (155-380), who finished 5th-place in the nation. With grit and tenacity unknown to mankind, the persistent players bounced back against Riverside, IA in a thrilling match that ended 275-275 in regulation. In overtime, Samuel Viher immediately provided a 15-point power and Captain Brian Schaefer followed with a 10-point grab to conclude the match, brilliantly winning 300-285. Remaining resolute and determined to win, no matter the obstacles, the terrific team gutted out a victory in walk off fashion by answering the last three tossups to go ahead of Skyline, MO (280-270). Heading into the playoff rounds with one of the best preliminary records in program history, the terrific team valiantly battled against in-state rival Roscommon, MI, coming up short 210-280. In their final contention of the tournament, the fearless foursome combated Weaubleau, MO, faltering 160-290. The team finished the national competition in 33rd place overall, posting a laudable 3,205 points while averaging 246.54 points per game. Leading the team in scoring was First-Team All-State, Senior Captain Brian Schaefer with an impressive 505 points, averaging 38.85 ppg. Samuel Viher, All-Conference recipient, compiled an additional 395 points and averaged 30.38 ppg. All-Conference Jarrett Warlick contributed 220 points with 16.92 ppg. Wyatt Karnes, who received All-Conference honors as well, totaled 205 points, averaging 15.77 ppg. The well-rounded team effort and camaraderie exhibited during adversity is a hallmark of this group, which gained invaluable knowledge for next year. Throughout the entire 2024 season, the White Cloud Quiz Bowl team experienced a tremendous amount of success, most notably winning the CSAA Conference Championship. In the television circuit, White Cloud finished as a WCMU Quiz Central Division Champion. Moreover, the Indians were the highest rated Class C-D school at Holland’s Quiz Bowl Invitational, Kalamazoo’s Swim & Win Tournament, and the inaugural LIQBA Mitten Cup in Mount Pleasant. Of significance, this team continued the winning tradition and legacy of White Cloud Quiz Bowl by qualifying for the NAQT Small School National Championship Tournament for the 27th-time in school history and qualified for state competition for the 35th-occasion, an all-time Class C/D record in Michigan. Coach Stephen Smith and the team would like to specifically thank Coach Emeritus Tony McHattie, Assistant Coach Allison McPhall, Assistant Coach Arnie Baker, Assistant Coach Dallas Dowling, Ms. Stephanie Karnes, and Ms. Amber Viher for their unwavering support. Special thanks and gratitude from the coaches is extended to seniors, Brian Schaefer, Samuel Viher, Andrea Feldpausch, Anna Mohr, and Samantha Kukal, who are departing the team with many awards and accolades during their respective tenures with the program. In addition, the team would like to thank all the parents, teachers, administrators, board members, staff, alumni, financial donors, and community members who have supported the team throughout the entire year. None of the team’s success would be possible without assistance from the entire community. Next season, White Cloud returns 21 of 26 veteran quiz bowl players as follows: Wyatt Karnes, Jarrett Warlick, Andi Gordon, Tyler Higgins, Charlotte Karnes, Liam Povey, Arysn Balke, Landon Edwards, Jay Fessenden, Zeke Hensley, Kacie Kailing, Trysten Tancock, Rhoen Wade, Annabelle Bird, Mason D’Lamater, Brian Loveless, Brayden Perdue, Cora Sharp, Lily Ulmen, Leah Vining, and Quin Rose. Stay tuned for the future!
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