Manhattan Junior High School’s scholastic bowl team achieved a historic milestone by placing second in the state championship, marking the first time in the program’s eight-year history that the team advanced beyond sectional competition.

The team, coached by Michelle Hallihan and Joyce Watson, completed an exceptional season with an 8-2 record before advancing through regional and sectional tournaments undefeated. At the state competition held Friday, the team demonstrated remarkable academic breadth and competitive resilience.

“I cannot say enough about the students that are on this team,” coach Watson told the board during Tuesday’s recognition ceremony. “They impress us every single day. They know things that I can’t—just every day impressed with what the answers they came up with.”

The team’s path to state included a particularly satisfying victory against Hickory Creek in the first round, avenging one of only two regular season losses. Assistant Principal and Athletics Director Gina Burlison described the match as “a nailbiter,” highlighting the competitive nature of state-level scholastic bowl competition.

Beyond academic knowledge, coaches emphasized the students’ curiosity and love of learning as key factors in their success. “There was just curiosity to learn and know things, and it has certainly paid off,” Watson noted.

The coaches credited the broader school community for the team’s achievement, acknowledging teachers and parents for fostering students’ diverse interests. “They come to us knowing so many things, and it’s because of all the things you do,” Hallihan told attending faculty members. “Leaning into their love of dinosaurs and making them watch musicals and talking about current events and politics—these are all things they bring with them.”

The program, which involves 15-20 students annually, has grown stronger each year since its inception. Board support has been crucial to the team’s development, with coaches expressing gratitude for the district’s investment in academic competition.

The recognition included a photo session with the board of education, celebrating not just the team’s achievement but also the academic culture that produced such success. The team’s performance demonstrates the quality of instruction students receive before advancing to Lincoln-Way High School.

The scholastic bowl format, described by coaches as “like a basketball game on steroids,” tests students’ knowledge across multiple academic disciplines including mathematics, history, science, literature, and current events.

This achievement represents the culmination of years of program building and reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence across all areas, not just traditional athletics and arts programs.