New quiz bowl adviser chosen
Team looks to rebuild after successes last year
October 19, 2015
After a national competition run during the 2014-2015 school year, Park’s quiz bowl team has new staff leadership as the season begins.
Chemistry and physics teacher Peter Dangerfield is the new club adviser and said he is excited about his new role.
“I knew that they were looking for (an adviser) and I participated in something very similar to quiz bowl as a student,” Dangerfield said. “I love the competition and it’s a good way to get involved in the school as a new teacher.”
He said he knows teachers who advise quiz bowl teams at other schools and looks forward to seeing how Park measures up.
“I know people at other schools who do it and love it so I’m looking forward to competing against those teams and seeing how we do,” Dangerfield said.
Senior Zoe Leuthner participated in quiz bowl last year and said she is optimistic about working with the new adviser.
“I think new leadership will be a great addition to the team,” Leuthner said.
Dangerfield said recruiting new students and getting to know them will be crucial for rebuilding the team after having many students from last year’s team graduate.
“The easiest way (to recruit) is through word of mouth, so having people that do it – and enjoy doing it – tell their friends,” Dangerfield said.
Leuthner said she’s seen interest around school and helps with the recruiting effort.
“A bunch of people have shown interest and we’ve been trying to talk to people who we think would be interested in the team,” Leuthner said.
Freshman Ayanna Nathan was recruited at the freshman activities fair at orientation and said she’s excited to answer questions about biology and gain knowledge about a variety of subjects.
“I’m just excited to know a bunch of random, stupid facts,” Nathan said. “I think those are always fun to know.”
Dangerfield said he relies on recommendations from other teachers to help him find students they think would enjoy being a part of the team. He said his primary focus is working to have younger students and underclassmen join the team.
“When you do it for three or four years, that’s when you get really good at it and can be competitive,” Dangerfield said. “I’m looking at laying that foundation for something I hope to do for several years to come.”
Meetings take place Tuesdays after school in A304, but date and time are subject to change. Students who are interested in learning more about the team can talk to Peter Dangerfield in room A304 before or after school.
