At Tusculum, we’re all about competing with the best through the tossup-bonus Quizbowl game. Imagine two teams, four players each, going head-to-head to answer rapid-fire questions from across the academic spectrum—natural sciences, social sciences, literature, fine arts, history, philosophy, and more! If you love learning and thrive in a competitive environment, this is where you’ll shine.
Tusculum builds on the strong tradition of academic competition in East Tennessee and Virginia—like the popular PBS Scholar’s Bowl and Virginia’s Scholastic Bowl. But we’re taking it to the next level. Our goal is to give you more game time, more competition, and more opportunities to grow.
Instead of competing in just a couple of matches, you’ll join Saturday tournaments with a round-robin format, giving your team the chance to play multiple games and maximize the competitive experience. It’s all about getting the fairest competition while maximizing your game time. No more waiting on the sidelines—you’ll be in the thick of it, match after match!
Here at Tusculum, Quizbowl isn’t just about pressing a buzzer on Saturdays. Our players get involved on a deeper level:
This level of engagement prepares you to be part of a team that’s not only competitive regionally but also ready to take on national tournaments like the IQBT Undergraduate Championship, NAQT’s Intercollegiate Championship Tournament, and the prestigious ACF Nationals. We’re building a program that will challenge the best teams in the nation—and we want you to be part of it!
Tusculum’s Quizbowl team is led by Dr. Chuck Pearson, a seasoned coach with a history of building successful collegiate teams at Shorter University and beyond. He’s not just a coach—he’s a key player in developing academic competitions throughout the Southern Appalachians. Dr. Pearson also leads the Southwest Virginia Academic Team Alliance and works closely with East Tennessee Quizbowl. His experience spans high school, collegiate, and national competitions, including as a quizmaster at NAQT’s National Championships and Tennessee Science Bowl.
With his guidance, you’ll gain the skills, strategy, and knowledge to take your Quizbowl game to the next level.
What makes Quizbowl so exciting? The buzzer system! It’s not just about knowing the answer—it’s about knowing it fast. The buzzer lets you jump in and interrupt a question when you’re confident, putting you ahead of the game. The adrenaline rush is real!
Here’s how you score points in Quizbowl:
Whether you’re a middle schooler just discovering your love for trivia or a college student ready to compete on the big stage, Quizbowl is for everyone! Competitions are organized for students at all levels, with tons of opportunities to play:
With tournaments happening nationwide, you can play at the city, state, and even national levels. The opportunities are endless—so why wait? Dive into the world of Quizbowl and start competing today!
Anyone can start a quiz bowl team at their school or participate in local tournaments as a staff member, reader, or organizer. NAQT (National Academic Quiz Tournaments, LLC) supports teams by providing:
NAQT also organizes national championship tournaments for middle school, high school, community college, and collegiate teams.
For more information on how to get involved with Quizbowl at Tusculum University, reach out to:
Ronald H. Meen Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
Assistant Dean of Math and Science
Office: (423) 636-7300 Ext. 5332
Cell: (706) 409-2741
Email: cpearson@tusculum.edu
For national quiz bowl inquiries:
Email: naqt@naqt.com
Phone: 888‑411‑6278