Samuel McCoy has been teaching for 9 years a South Side High School. He has coached Quiz Bowl at South Side for 10 years. He teaches English and Social Studies in grades 9-11
What's the best thing about coaching Quiz Bowl?
The best thing about coaching Quiz Bowl is giving students a unique experience. We have a lot of competitive sports at South Side and that's great. But there are other ways to be competitive. Quiz Bowl is a chance for students to form a group centered around mental effort rather than just physical effort. It's a chance for students to become more confident in their intellectual abilities, make friends and have fun.
What was your biggest success as a Quiz Bowl coach?
Our best season was about 4 years ago when we made the second round of the playoffs. The year we made the playoffs in Hometown High Q was also great. But even though we played well, most of the best memories are from spending time with the team regardless of whether we won or lost.
How do you see kids being changed through Quiz Bowl?
I think that taking students outside of South Side is always good. South Side is wonderful, but it is a very small community. Travelling to other places to compete broadens the world students live in. That's one of my goals.
Why should students be inclined to join Quiz Bowl?
If you are a competitive person, Quiz Bowl is perfect for you. If you want to have fun and play a trivia game, it's also good for you. Anyone is welcome to join Quiz Bowl.
How did you get into Quiz Bowl and coaching it?
I played Quiz Bowl in college, and I wanted to share my interest when I came to South Side. It started with Hometown High Q, and then we moved to doing off-camera competitions as well.
How has Quiz Bowl changed you?
Quiz Bowl has made me more aware of gaps in student knowledge. It has affected my teaching somewhat because students will miss a question and I decide maybe that needs to be something they learn in their history class.