SMU to host High School Challenge Consolation, Super Challenge finals

WINONA, Minn. — Area schools will compete in the final round of High School Challenge — a tournament of knowledge held at and sponsored by Saint Mary’s University — Saturday, Feb. 21. The 2008-09 season marks the 38th year of the longest running academic competition for high school students in the area.

Thirty-two area teams from Eastern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and Northeast Iowa started competing in High School Challenge in the fall for a chance to participate in the “Consolation” and “Super Challenge” tournaments. Participating teams earn scholarships for their schools.

The public is welcome to watch the consolation championship between La Crosse Central and Holmen, beginning at 9 a.m. in Figliulo Recital Hall, located in SMU’s Performance Center. After this competition, the final run for the “Super Challenge” begins, with brackets featuring teams from La Crescent, Winona Senior High, Aquinas, Eau Claire Regis, Cotter, La Crosse Logan, Onalaska, and Eau Claire North.

The games will be taped by Fox 25/Fox 48 and aired Sundays, March 8 through April 26, from 10 to 10:30 a.m.

For more information, call Nicole Gerdes, High School Challenge coordinator, at (507) 457-1761 or ngerdes@smumn.edu.