Dean Beckford
The GHS Knowledge Bowl team, now under the helm of Chris Chiego, a former coach at White Station and champion at the collegiate level, is looking to expand and grow the program into one of national competitors. Under the aid of experienced faculty leadership, strong upperclassmen, and a budding group of underclassman, the team certainly has a very bright future to look forward to.
“The good news is most of our players are sophomores. We have some great seniors, some great juniors…I’m looking forward to getting sophomores and freshmen especially in order to build them up and give them experience in tournaments on the C team, so when they’re seniors and on the A team, they’ll dominate,” noted Chiego.
Students on the squad seem to note their powerful potential as well and welcome increased involvement on the school’s part.
“Well, I definitely think that Mr. Chiego is going to be awesome as a coach and sponsor because he seems really dedicated…he really knows his stuff…he played in college and beat Harvard. He has high expectations and wants us to go to nationals…I’m really excited about it,” mused Randi Griffin, former captain and senior.
Part of the team’s goal is to become more of a presence in the community. Through collaboration with other teams in the Mid-South and participation in a multitude of knowledge bowl-related events, they intend to make a name for themselves among the other high school quiz giants.
“I think the biggest thing is getting people out here in Tennessee to think of it as a year-round activity. There’s not just a few TV matches and things like that; there are tournaments almost every other weekend that are within driving distance that we are going to go to,” exclaimed Chiego.
By hosting games and competitions, they hope to foster an even greater in the local quiz community.
“I think that’s the best way to raise money,” acknowledged Chiego.
Looking beyond the boundaries of Shelby County, GHS Knowledge Bowl sees the potential to dominate not just locally but also on state and national levels.
“But also, there’s a state championship and a national championship…there’s rarely been a Memphis team…going to a higher profile: from local level, to state level, to national level,” said Chiego.
Aspirations of greatness certainly are not limited to the coach; the students are certainly up for the challenge.
“My goal for this year is to try our team ranked in the state…West Tennessee has the worst knowledge bowl teams in the state…East and Middle Tennessee have the best. So far the best knowledge bowl team in West Tennessee is most likely Collierville High School, and as long as we beat them, get ranked in the state, go up to Nashville, and play in some major tournaments, I think we just need to improve this season so in a couple years we can participate in a national tournament,” expressed freshman Aahil Shermohammed.
All practices are open to the student body, and any students interested are encouraged by all means to contribute and participate in events, practices, and tournaments.
“Even if you get one question in each round, that’s all you need. If you like one little thing, learn it….We need kids that have depth, not breadth….If you like a subject, you’re passionate about it, come out! Everyone’s welcome,” exclaimed Chiego.
If you’re looking to join, just find Mr. Chiego in upstairs MA for more information.
First up on the team calendar is a competition against Brighton in November, followed by matches against St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
The GHS Knowledge Bowl team, now under the helm of Chris Chiego, a former coach at White Station and champion at the collegiate level, is looking to expand and grow the program into one of national competitors. Under the aid of experienced faculty leadership, strong upperclassmen, and a budding group of underclassman, the team certainly has a very bright future to look forward to.
“The good news is most of our players are sophomores. We have some great seniors, some great juniors…I’m looking forward to getting sophomores and freshmen especially in order to build them up and give them experience in tournaments on the C team, so when they’re seniors and on the A team, they’ll dominate,” noted Chiego.
Students on the squad seem to note their powerful potential as well and welcome increased involvement on the school’s part.
“Well, I definitely think that Mr. Chiego is going to be awesome as a coach and sponsor because he seems really dedicated…he really knows his stuff…he played in college and beat Harvard. He has high expectations and wants us to go to nationals…I’m really excited about it,” mused Randi Griffin, former captain and senior.
Part of the team’s goal is to become more of a presence in the community. Through collaboration with other teams in the Mid-South and participation in a multitude of knowledge bowl-related events, they intend to make a name for themselves among the other high school quiz giants.
“I think the biggest thing is getting people out here in Tennessee to think of it as a year-round activity. There’s not just a few TV matches and things like that; there are tournaments almost every other weekend that are within driving distance that we are going to go to,” exclaimed Chiego.
By hosting games and competitions, they hope to foster an even greater in the local quiz community.
“I think that’s the best way to raise money,” acknowledged Chiego.
Looking beyond the boundaries of Shelby County, GHS Knowledge Bowl sees the potential to dominate not just locally but also on state and national levels.
“But also, there’s a state championship and a national championship…there’s rarely been a Memphis team…going to a higher profile: from local level, to state level, to national level,” said Chiego.
Aspirations of greatness certainly are not limited to the coach; the students are certainly up for the challenge.
“My goal for this year is to try our team ranked in the state…West Tennessee has the worst knowledge bowl teams in the state…East and Middle Tennessee have the best. So far the best knowledge bowl team in West Tennessee is most likely Collierville High School, and as long as we beat them, get ranked in the state, go up to Nashville, and play in some major tournaments, I think we just need to improve this season so in a couple years we can participate in a national tournament,” expressed freshman Aahil Shermohammed.
All practices are open to the student body, and any students interested are encouraged by all means to contribute and participate in events, practices, and tournaments.
“Even if you get one question in each round, that’s all you need. If you like one little thing, learn it….We need kids that have depth, not breadth….If you like a subject, you’re passionate about it, come out! Everyone’s welcome,” exclaimed Chiego.
If you’re looking to join, just find Mr. Chiego in upstairs MA for more information.
First up on the team calendar is a competition against Brighton in November, followed by matches against St. Mary’s Episcopal School.