The Superior Express -

The Rock Hills scholars bowl team began this season motivated and determined to return to the State Championship Tournament to take care of some unfinished business. After finishing third in ‘22 and second in ‘23, the team set their sights on bringing home the championship in ‘24.

Rock Hills had an outstanding season, consistently finishing in the top three at every meet. For the second year in a row, the Grizzlies went undefeated in the regional tournament on their way to the state championship tournament. The competition at the state tournament was intense, with incredibly close wins. Through each round, the team showed tenacity and stayed composed under pressure. Thanks in large part to the leadership of Hannah Simmelink, team captain, they played confident and poised. Rock Hills advanced to the finals as the number one out of their pool, having lost only one round. In the finals, the team lost in the first round but stayed focused as they won out. The contribution of every single member of this team was critical to this championship. The team will lose four seniors: Arielle Jacobs, Cooper Rhea, Hannah Simmelink and Bella Volker, with Cooper, Hannah and Bella competing together in scholars bowl since sixth grade. Junior Calen Beck, and sophomore Ethan Wirth rounded out the championship team. The Rock Hills scholars bowl coach is Chris Rhea, who teaches middle school science. 

The success of the Rock Hills scholars bowl team is built on the diversity of academic talents and interests of each individual. Though each person brings a broad background knowledge and are capable in all categories, each team member also demonstrates one or two areas of excellence. Hannah is dominant in the math and science categories. Bella is dependable in diverse categories but is especially competent in the culture and news related categories. Arielle can be counted on to display her knowledge of fine arts. Cooper’s focus is in Greek and Roman history and mythology and scores well in questions based in history or social sciences. Calen Beck is the U.S. and European history expert with that knowledge applying in the social sciences and language arts categories. Ethan, as the youngest team member, demonstrates math, current events and science prowess. 

This has been an incredible season and the amazing abilities of this team made their eventual championship feel inevitable as the season wore on. This group is a “dream team.” They excel academically but more importantly, they demonstrate a profoundly curious nature and love of learning. We can all be proud of this group of young people, not only for their outstanding performance, but also because they are excellent representatives of our school and community.