The Manhattan High School Scholars Bowl team began their season with a Junior Varsity meet Tuesday and a Varsity meet Wednesday at Washburn Rural, coming off a triumphant year that ended with the team achieving their fifth State Championship in program history. 

Three of the six students from last year’s championship team graduated last year, leaving the core of  senior Daniel Ortiz, junior Solon Xia and sophomore Michael Amama, who hope to impress once again. The team committed time to practice in preparation for the season.

“Sometimes we do practice rounds,” sponsor Ted Dawdy said. “I mean, being fast on the buzzer and quick thinkers is a big part of this. So a lot of times we won’t worry about specific rounds, but we’ll just ask very quick reflex type questions and work on speed and anticipating questions.”

Dawdy is optimistic about this year’s team, who have a big goal for the season.

“I think we have that ability again, because we’re going to be solid across the board, but we’ll have to see how the season goes,” Dawdy said. “At least I don’t have to worry about injuries.”