According to Academic Superbowl co-sponsor James Ziegler, participants should be fully focused on the provided material, and should be actively attempting to meet on at least a bi-weekly basis in preparation for the upcoming competitions. The first competition is on March 7.

“Our first meet is going to be at Brebeuf, on March 7,” Ziegler said. Ziegler said that he made it clear to students that prompt arrival at the competition will ensure that the meet is “smooth and concise.”

“As for the meets, students should try to get up here by about 3:20 after school, and I’d be able to hit the road then at 3:30. And it should start a little after 4:00, and our teams would get out by about 7:00 or 8:00. Same thing with Ben Davis, though that one took a little longer last year,” Ziegler said. In addition, Ziegler noted that while Brebeuf may be the first chance for students to test their knowledge, it does not “define their stance in the competition.” According to Ziegler, the first “official” meet will not take place until April 16 at Beech Grove.

“Depending upon how they do at Beech Grove, that will determine whether or not a team is qualified for the state competition,” Ziegler said. However, he also said that though the two competitions at Brebeuf and Ben Davis do not determine which squads qualify for state, they are good practice for the qualification rounds at Beech Grove.

Ziegler noted that while last year’s competition at Beech Grove left some of the participants unsatisfied with their results, most were well aware of the prestige of simply qualifying. While qualifying for state competition is both significant and difficult to accomplish, Katie Doman, participant and sophomore, hopes to help her team qualify at this year’s competition.

“As of right now, it’s all about preparation, just like Mr. Ziegler and Mr. Dillon keep telling (the participants). I am supposed to look over questions provided by the organization, and keep reading my assigned sections,” Doman said.

At the most recent Academic Superbowl team meeting, Ziegler addressed participants and captains alike directly concerning their study practices and their preparation for the rapidly-approaching competition. After passing out field-trip forms for both Brebeuf and Ben Davis, Ziegler stressed to his students the importance of preparation.

“Beech Grove will be the big one to determine who makes it to the state competition. I want to ensure that (the Academic Superbowl participants) perform well,” Ziegler said.