Richland One’s new middle-school quiz-bowl program sends teams to state; WG Sanders finishes fourth

Richland School District One showcased its new middle-school Quiz Bowl program at the March 26 board meeting, describing a first season that placed multiple district teams in regional and state competition.

Dr. Kaser, the district’s advanced-academic programs coordinator, told the board the program split teams by enrollment size (upper and lower divisions), ran qualifying tests and regular practices, and sent teams to regional meets hosted by Midlands Technical College and other locations. "We had 50 students participate this year and 10 coaches," Dr. Kaser said, describing a season that culminated at the state tournament at Winthrop University.

WG Sanders won the district and regional championships and advanced to the state final rounds, where it lost a sudden-death match and placed fourth. Coaches and students from Hayward Gibbs, Hand and WG Sanders described the social and academic benefits of the program—students said Quiz Bowl offered a competitive, academically focused after-school activity that connected peers across schools.

Student captain Asa Adler said the best part of Quiz Bowl was "the variation in a child's schedule" and the chance to break the routine of classroom work with a fun academic challenge. Coaches noted logistical hurdles—transportation and scheduling—but praised district staff for helping teams travel to multiple meets.

Board members and the superintendent praised the program as a district growth opportunity; administrators said they plan to expand participation, add more seventh-grade teams and seek greater high-school involvement next year.