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PETOSKEY – March 5, 2026 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), the only Classical high school in Northern Michigan, is pleased to announce that its Quiz Bowl team delivered a standout performance at the most recent Char-Em Quiz Bowl Tournament, held at North Central Michigan College (NCMC).
Fourteen teams representing seven area high schools competed in two divisions – with ‘A’ teams squaring off in the upper section, while the ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams matched wits in the lower. The Guardians ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams each claimed championships in their respective divisions, marking an exceptional day for the program.
The victorious St. Michael ‘A’ team was comprised of (from left to right in photo) Graham Wertman, Charlie Mercer, Clement Sagan, and Owen Bartoszewski. They finished the day with a 6–1 record to secure first place in the upper division, earning another championship trophy.
In four outings this season, the Guardians have claimed two tournament championships, while taking runner-up honors in another.
Meanwhile, the Guardian ‘B’ team notched seven wins without a loss, handily capturing the ‘B/C’ division title. The ‘B’ team was comprised of (from left to right in photo below) Cole Wesley, Mea Wesley, John Sagan, Margaret Mercer, Marley Kern, and Cyril Sagan. The Guardian ‘C’ team more than held its own, placing third in the B/C division with a winning 4-3 record.
“It was a tremendous effort from all three squads,” noted St. Michael Quiz Bowl coach Bret Keefe. “Our students possess a wide range of knowledge across many subjects, and that depth really showed. I’m proud of how they represented St. Michael, once again competing and winning against much larger schools.”
The performance showcased the St. Michael program. “This is one of the strongest, deepest rosters we’ve ever had,” Mr. Keefe added. “We’re getting key contributions at every level, with participants from all classes – including freshmen – stepping up and scoring in high-pressure moments.”
Quiz Bowl is a fast-paced “sport of the mind” in which four-player teams compete by answering questions on a wide variety of subjects including: Art, Literature, Math, Science, History, Geography, Politics, and Culture. For several years, St. Michael has faced off against schools from across the district in tournaments held at NCMC, regularly placing at or near the top of the pack.
SMHS Headmaster Kevin Weed added, “Quiz Bowl excellence is a St. Michael tradition – and the consistency of our program is greatly supported by our Classical curriculum. Through cohesive, rigorous, content-rich education, we expose our students to disciplines ranging from classic literature to philosophy to the sciences to the arts. Equipped with knowledge, perspective, and confidence – and formed in Christian faith – our students are well prepared not only for Quiz Bowl, but for success in whatever they choose to pursue in life!”
The St. Michael Quiz Bowl teams wrap up their season on Friday with the final district tournament at NCMC.
St. Michael High School is High School with a Higher Purpose and a proud member of the Chesterton Schools Network. Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith. To learn more, please visit the SMHS website at stmichaelchesterton.org.