JH QUIZ CHAMPIONS … The winning team for the February 28, 2022 WC JH Quiz Tournament was Stryker, which was even greater as they were the host this year. Pictured in the back row are Kyleigh Crocker, Coach Kevin Pool and Hunter Rivas. In the front row are Mya Sproles, Hunter Lasley holding the trophy, and Aaron Cheeseman. (Team member not pictured: Braxton John) (PHOTOS PROVIDED)
By: Rebecca Miller
At the beginning of the year when Stryker Principal Dave Schultz signed up for Stryker to host the Williams County Jr. High Quiz Tournament, as they have done in the past, he probably hoped for a win.
His wish was granted in a “sudden death” victory for Stryker Jr. High Team on Monday evening, February 28, 2022.
Stryker Team members were Kyleigh Crocker, Hunter Rivas, Mya Sproles, Hunter Lasley and Aaron Cheeseman, and Braxton John, coached by Mr. Kevin Pool.
“As an English teacher,” Pool shared, “I was really excited when Aaron Cheeseman buzzed in and answered correctly to give us the win, when the answer to the final question was ‘The Raven’ by Edgar Allen Poe!”
Stryker trailed by three with only three questions left and they got them all correctly, causing the match to end with a tie of 11 to 11.
In “sudden death” they defeated Bryan and won the Championship. Over forty students in grades seven and eight participated in the double-elimination event.
Stacey Parrish from Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center, Parrish called it a “nail-biter as the match ended in a tie with Bryan and hinged on who correctly answered first with a sudden death question.”
Parrish was the coordinator for the event, with moderators being Olivia Kaullen, Alex Moss, Steve Riley, Jason Johnston and Barb Yoder.
“The purpose of the tournament is to heighten enthusiasm for intellectual development and to offer students an opportunity to display their knowledge and thinking skills,” Parrish explained.
The final score for the six round tournament was Stryker 12 and Bryan 11. Stryker was awarded the traveling trophy to display for the next school year.
Other school teams who participated were:
-Bryan: Ethan Fryman, Ethan Bailey, Elijah Cummins, Kassi McDade, Noah Mills, Tucker Nardone, Grason Butler, and Teagan Grimes
-Edgerton: Devon Bonecutter, Ian Cronin, Nate Howell, Jon Cronin, Jonah Johnston, Conner Myers, Eve Gerschutz, Megan Gerschutz, JR Amato, Ty Leppelmeier, Mikayla Burkhart, Dez Goebel, Ben Thompson and Ryan Breen
-Millcreek-West Unity (Hilltop): Aaden Judy, Gyllyan Proper, Aiden Stevens and Halle Jones
-Montpelier: Piper JoHangten, Kylee Mills, Olivia Kannel, Braylon Hopper, Hannah Martin, Jason Lincoln, Anna Stantz, Luke Friend and Bria Friend
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com
CLOSE BATTLE … Bryan Jr. High Quiz Team gave Stryker a run for their money, tieing at the end with eleven points each. During the Sudden Death portion, Stryker answered correctly and won, making the Bryan Quiz Team the Runners Up. In the back row are Coach Lisa Heslop, Noah Mills, Teagan Grimes, Grason Butler, Tucker Nardone and front row – Elijah Cummins, Ethan Bailey, Kassi McDade and Ethan Fryman.