Blog 4- Source Reactions

The topic I am considering most strongly is the revision of ASU Academic Bowl. I am very excited to pursue this subject and think it will make for a compelling paper; however, it does not come with traditional sources. The discussion of Academic Bowl on Proquest is nonexistent and--based on my luck with similar sites--emblematic of databases at large. The majority of my sources will have come from to be closer to home: ASUnews, testimonials, and perhaps high school coach insight (they are clearly doing something right), but will also ideally include discussions of the NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournaments, LLC) rules and other academic bowls nationwide.

Figuring out where to begin is difficult. I feel that the system is imperfect; however, I need to get a better understanding of what changes are feasible. Talking to casual viewers at the event, a simple change that we all agreed upon was getting rid of the term "loser". Matches would start with team introductions often with the stigma of this word. In order to be more professional, the tournament heads really ought to refine their vocabulary. Secondly, that the readers were on occasion subpar was another frequent critique, but changing this is more difficult. According to Kenneth Lan, a past winner and a self-proclaimed AZ Quiz Bowl historian, with the large prize money on the line, only major deans are allowed to read. They often have a number of other duties beyond that of this tournament so training them is difficult. Those with proper training, i.e. members of the ASU Quiz Bowl Club, are unworthy substitutes, but allowing for their participation in some capacity, I feel is a solution to consider.

Controversies that rocked the tournament are also valuable areas for reflection. Wesley Fulmer, a member of this year’s champion team, early on challenged a ruling on the basis that a member of the Herberger team was not recognized. The game and by proxy Fulmer’s subsequent victory may have come down to this question, leaving the Herberger team noticeably nonplussed. This event colored Fulmer’s performance throughout the remainder of the tournament when it could be argued that the tournament heads were more at fault for not actively enforcing this rule.

Hopefully, these insights will add to my paper and many more sources will come. For now I require a purer source to satisfy me with sustenance. Adieu..