Saint Leo University’s Annual Brain Bowl Pits 8 Area Catholic, Private School Teams in Academic Battle
Clearwater Central Catholic High School’s team wins championship with Jesuit High School’s Team B as runner-up
It was a battle of the brains as Saint Leo University and its College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services hosted its annual Brain Bowl competition for seven area Catholic high schools and one private school on Wednesday, March 26, in the university’s Wellness Center. The event was sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.
The Brain Bowl tested the students’ knowledge of languages, the arts, popular culture, sports physics, math, biology, history, food, and more tested as they compete in a trivia-type contest were tested as they battled in sessions throughout the day. It was a full day of competition and fun, including a pizza lunch.
Teams competing included: Santa Fe Catholic High School, Lakeland, FL; Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Clearwater, FL; two teams from Jesuit High School, Tampa, FL; St. Petersburg Catholic High School, St. Petersburg, FL; Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Shady Hills, FL; Tampa Catholic High School, Tampa, FL; and, Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes, FL.
The final round was moderated by political science instructor Frank Orlando, who also served as the “chief question writer” for the Brain Bowl.
Topics ran the gamut, from the most popular flavor of ice cream (mint chocolate chip!) to what vice president replaced Spiro Agnew when he resigned (Gerald Ford). They included a quick quiz on homophones, the names of playwrights, and questions about the 13 original states.
“Ho, Ho, Ho, answer these questions about films featuring Santa Claus,” Orlando said, announcing one of the categories.
Orlando, who also competed in quiz bowls when he was in high school, said the teams were made up of students who love trivia. “And it’s great to see these students committed to scholarship,” he added.
Dr. Susan Kinsella, vice president of Academic Affairs, congratulated all the teams. “There are lots of really intelligent kids here today,” she said. “Thank you for coming and participating.”
Finally, it was time to announce the winner: Clearwater Catholic High School claimed the top honor with Jesuit High School’s Team B as the runner-up. Clearwater Catholic has claimed several Brain Bowl titles since Saint Leo began hosting the event.
In the fall, Saint Leo University will host a Brain Bowl Boot Camp for high school teams interested in sharpening their skills and preparing for future competitions.