The questionnaire on proposed change to the district and state format for academic competition appears to be on its way to the next step. In response to the question, 'Would you favor the Academic Competition Advisory Committee continuing to consider the possibility of amending the format of competition for the district and state series in Academic Competition?', the votes were 179 in favor and 79 in opposition (69.4% in favor of a change in the format).
All Missouri athletic directors received a questionnaire from MSHSAA that was mailed during the week of February 6. One of the items on the questionnaire was a polling question about whether or not academic coaches desire a change in the game format of district and state academic competitions. Every coach should voice their input to their athletic director in order for MSHSAA to receive an adequate portrait of our desire, or lack thereof, for changing the current system.
The 2005 MACA convention was attended by 64 coaches and former coaches from around the state. President Shawn Logan opened the convention with a welcome statement and information about the convention.
MSHSAA representative, Stacy Schroeder, provided an update about administrative and rules changes for Missouri academic competiiton.
Session 1 included a workshop for new coaches, presented by Bill Luce of Savannah and a veteran coaches discussion, facilitated by Nancy Baker of Boonville and Melinda Dixon of Lockwood.
The results of the poll regarding a possible change in the MSHSAA game format were as follows:
Survey response - 13 no change, 4 change (1 lightning round, 3 worksheet)
Email response - 4 no change, 13 change (1 lightning round, 12 worksheet)
Due to coaches' requests, MACA is considering petitioning MSHSAA to change the format of Missouri quiz bowl matches. Possible changes would include adding either a "lightning" round or a worksheet to each match in lieu of a third quarter. Below are samples are each of these formats.
[ Lightning Round ] [ Worksheet Round ]
Team Missouri earned a first-round victory against Guam, Vermont, and Iowa, beating its closest opponent by over 100 points.
» Missouri: 276 » Vermont: 173 » Iowa: 84 » Guam: 46
Missouri advanced to the semi-finals against Wisconsin, Louisiana, Alabama, and perennial foe Maryland.