LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A three-day High School National Championship Tournament took place recently in Atlanta, Georgia and some home-grown talent represented central Pennsylvania.
The competition featured 320 teams from across the country, including ten from Pennsylvania. Manheim Township placed 186th place in a competition that the students thought they wouldn't make it to.
"At nationals, we're up against some really tough competition. We played teams that were really good, players with a lot of talent. So I think us placing in the middle of the pack at Nationals was a huge accomplishment," said Manheim Township High School quiz bowl team captain Surah Dumasia.
It seemed like the odds were stacked against the high school since one of their star players graduated last year and they weren't assigned a coach until October... when qualifiers begin.
During the tournament, students answer questions on science, pop culture, literature and current events. The top 33 teams received a trophy and medals, but only after they conquered the challenge of hitting the buzzer quickly and with the correct answer.
"Stepping up as a coach this year, not knowing what to expect... it's a really cool thing to see a group of students so committed to each other and being able to support each other and step in when one is maybe not doing so well," said coach Zach Mussmon.
And with finals just one week out from the national competition and graduation on the horizon for seniors, the team didn't fold under pressure.
The team says to stay sharp they plan to practice over the summer, with hopes to do better next year.
"We'd love to get top 100 at nationals. I think the hope is to be more involved in some more local competitions that we can just prepare ourselves more, to be ready to continue the legacy that is here at Manheim Township," said Mussmon.