One man. Three women. One night. The Night of the Iguana.

Two days before the academic challenge at Northwest College, Curtis Muecke watched the trailer of John Huston’s movie, “The Night of the Iguana.” 

Fast forward to the afternoon of January 10. It was only the second question, but it directly referenced the movie trailer he watched in journalism class two days before. Curtis tensed, looked back at coach Mrs. Amy Moore, and thrust the button in anticipation, correctly answering the name of the play by American playwright Tennessee Williams. 

This year, Powell’s rivals were swept off their feet with sudden awe by a talented group of PHS students. Seniors Colin Walker, Audrey Johnson, Curtis Muecke, and Natalie Black proved formidable foes right from the outset.

“First, we went to the local knowledge bowl competition,” senior Colin Walker said. “Then we most recently went to the Wyoming Academic Challenge here at Northwest.”

Not only did the team derive great pleasure from competing, but they also overwhelmed their opponents, achieving a nearly 300-point lead over second place.

This was the first year the PHS Knowledge Bowl team took part in the academic challenge at Northwest College. 

“The academic challenge was very similar to the knowledge bowl,” Walker said. “I find it fascinating that it has been here for several years, and we did not know about it until now.”

While there were several differences between participants and basic rules, all were in unison regarding the shared time and appreciation of these tournaments.

The environment was stress-free, and taking first prize only added to the sense of serenity.

“My favorite part was definitely just getting to be around my teammates Natalie, Colin, and Audrey,” senior Curtis Muecke said. “Just answering questions was fun, too.”

Participants made lifelong connections and friends during the event. It also provided the participants with outstanding social skills, which only can set them up for success.

“I like hanging out between rounds and chatting with people,” senior Natalie Black said. “I think  it was also really fun to go in and compete.”

Winning comes with hard work and determination; it’s only when one savors the experience of learning that new goals are achieved. Taking it one step at a time made life easier for everyone, especially when the ideas were clear.

“Knowing how to answer these really helped me to be on my feet,” Muecke said. “I came up with things quicker than I thought I’d be able to.”

Collectively, they put their substantial expertise to the test; moreover, they revealed niche areas of trivia that made the experience lighthearted. Muecke, for one, answered all the questions about Pokémon with ease.

“I’ve always liked learning random trivia, and knowing that, hey, I got to use all those fun facts,” Muecke said. “It also gave me a lot of self-confidence.”

No knowledge is ever wasted, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Walker, for example, astounded participants by dominating the 60s, 70s, and 80s music trivia questions.

“Everyone says, ‘Oh, when are you ever going to use that?’” Walker said. “This was the kind of opportunity to just be able to use some of that interesting knowledge.”

Senior Audrey Johnson’s aptitude for Geek mythology shone through, racking up numerous points for her team.

“I owe much of my mythology knowledge to the Percy Jackson series and Rick Riordan’s books in general,” Johnson said. “They sparked my love of reading, and that passion has shaped my broader literary knowledge as well.”

Studying time for the variety of these events is immense because many topics could be covered in only five simple questions.

“My favorite part was studying for it,” Walker said. “I just listened to podcasts and watched YouTube videos.”

Exchanging with other individuals about the expertise they have obtained demonstrates their pure learning adaptability.

“I liked being able to use some of my music trivia knowledge,” Walker said. “I find it fascinating that no one else was able to answer those questions.”

The team dynamic this year was sophisticated. Many hope to add more dynamics and character to the team next year.

“I’m a senior,” Black said. “This is my last year, but I hope next year turns out as well as this year.”

This year’s seniors set a precedent for the years that follow, but despite the fact that they won’t be there, they will encourage their high school team.

PHS students will most likely pursue the academic challenge in the near future and endeavor to substantially grow their interest in the team.