Ambitions are higher than ever for the Scholastic Bowl team. With roster numbers at their highest, the team is aiming for another shot at nationals this May. This rise in participation is widely attributed to last year’s trip to nationals and the heavy recruiting from returning players.
Veteran players played a key role in recruiting 10-15 new members for this season. “It was really a grassroots effort to get our friends to join,” varsity coach Meg Flanagan said. “A lot of our veteran players invited new members, and they showed up during their first practice.” More players on the roster should reward the team with more minds and expertise in various categories.
In addition to increasing involvement, veteran players worked diligently to create a positive environment that allowed new players to thrive. “[At the first practice], they were split up with newer players in one room and veteran players in the other,” Flanagan shared.“When I came back into the veteran room, they were asking, ‘How is the person they invited doing? Are they having a good time?’” This supportive and welcoming environment is attributed to new players committing to the team. Veteran players have also been stepping into small coaching roles to help lighten the load off their head coach’s schedule.
Individual players are also setting ambitious goals for themselves. “I want to average five tossups per match for the whole season,” senior and four-year varsity competitor Nathan Bargman announced. A tossup is a question read aloud to both teams. Any player can answer a tossup as long as they are the first to buzz in.
Despite the many benefits of such a drastic increase, there are some drawbacks. Changes in transportation will require more resources, finances, and planning than in prior years. “Normally, five years ago, we would just take a mini bus that would for sure fit everybody,” Flanagan said. “Now we’re going to have to take two vehicles, and maybe parents are going to help.”
As the season progresses, the team has a lot to look forward to. With a strong, veteran leadership and clear goals, they are poised to make a serious run at nationals and have fun doing it. “We are very excited, and we’re really, really proud of what we are continuing to build,” Flanagan added.
