Proving that competitive pursuits are not solely for the playing fields, six Chargers – Jacob Livesay ’19, Michael Mandanas ’18, Gene Moon ’18, Luke Stewart  ’18, Turner Watkins ’19, and Luke Williams ’18 – brought the crown jewel of Heritage Hall, academia, to the competitive stage in Prague, Oklahoma, for the Area Academic Bowl January 21. The team was fired up, knowing that both the tournament's winner and runner-up would advance to the state tournament on February 4.

Heritage Hall went into the tournament armed with an extensive knowledge of many subjects, lightning fast speed, a phenomenal coach (Robert Ring), and an impeccable scorekeeper, Sam Ring ’21. In an Academic Bowl match, two teams of four students compete to answer questions in categories including literature, history, and pop culture. At the end of four quarters, the team with the most points advances in the tournament bracket. The Chargers faced stiff competition from Harrah, Kingfisher, and Bridge Creek.

The Chargers performed exceptionally well in the first and second rounds to advance to the finals against Bridge Creek. Heritage Hall ended the final match with a 90-point lead to win the tournament, earning a first seed berth to the state tournament.

While many Academic Bowl teams have a “star player,” Chargers’ team captain Gene Moon ’18  attributes their success to team strength – no weak links exist in this team’s proverbial chain. “Although this is our first season, our success shows that, when everyone on the team contributes, we are truly unstoppable.”

In a good sign for the future, no one from this year’s team will graduate in May; these scholars appear ready to finish the season strong and carry the momentum into next year. All of Charger Nation will be cheering them on as they compete for a state title on February 4. Go, Chargers!