2009 Academic Bowl Season Summary
by Tracee Orman
April 06, 2009
The academic bowl team wrapped up the season with dinner, an awards banquet, and player/family fun challenge Friday, April 3rd.
The varsity team was 12-15 this year, going 4-3 in the Prairie Rivers tournament and 5-9 in TRAC-8. Junior varsity was 1-12.
Varsity letters were earned by seniors Joe Bright, Ashley Heppner, Jes Sasko, Brittany Schmidt, Matt Swanson, Bastian Winkelhake; junior Caitlin DeWitt (manager); and sophomores Jordan Achs, Shelby Howard, and Hannah Sauer.
Junior varsity letters were earned by sophomores Kim Eastburn (manager), Ashley Spong (manager); and freshmen Aubrey Graham and Nick Havens.
Participants needed to play in a minimum of 7 matches to earn a letter or participation certificate. Students who contributed but did not meet the minimum requirement were: juniors Madelyn Dorta, Sean Leeds, Dawn Lackey; sophomores Travis Greth, Alie Larson, Samantha Johnston, Rebecca Steffes; and freshmen Alex Danekas and Dan Graham.
Highlights included a 4th place finish at the Masonic Tournament in February and, individually, senior Jes Sasko earning 1st team TRAC-8 All-Conference and Prairie Rivers All-Conference, senior Joe Bright earning Prairie Rivers All-Conference, and senior Matt Swanson earning TRAC-8 All-Conference honors.
"Our conference was very tough this year," Coach Orman said. "Fulton, Bureau Valley, Morrison, and Newman all competed for the title and we were right up there with them. In some matches, we only lost by five or 10 points or it came down to the final question. I don't think our record shows how well we competed with them." In post-season play, four TRAC-8 teams made it to their regional championships. Erie was defeated in the semi-finals by eventual champs Bureau Valley, who also took out Riverdale in the previous match.
"I wish we could have kept playing because these seniors really deserved that chance to get to the next level," Orman said. "They've accomplished a lot in the past four years and have scored more toss-ups in their varsity career (474) than any other class." The 2006 graduates (Bill Wolf, Isaac Steffes, and Tom Drummond) held the previous record with 379 career toss-ups.
The following earned individual awards, presented at the banquet:
Most Valuable Players: Joe Bright, Jes Sasko, and Matt Swanson
Most Toss-Ups, Varsity: Jes Sasko, 54
Most Toss-Ups, JV: Jordan Achs, 12
Sportsmanship Award: Joe Bright, Ashley Heppner
Spirit Award: Brittany Schmidt, Matt Swanson
Most Improved: Bastian Winkelhake, Hannah Sauer
Captain Award: Matt Swanson
Four-Year Participation: Joe Bright, Ashley Heppner, Jes Sasko, Brittany Schmidt, Matt Swanson
The team challenged their families to a 20-question match, in which questions were compiled (by senior Matt Swanson) from a questionnaire players filled out at the conclusion of the season. The players squeaked out a 250-240 win over their families.
The evening ended with a photo slide-show summarizing the season.
Coach Orman would like to thank all the players, their families, and the Erie Masons for their continued support throughout the season. Also, thanks to Leslie Miner, Ann Vittori, and Bud Hunter for their help with home events and the banquet. We appreciate all you do for the team!
