Scholastic Bowl Advisor Brian Bartoz wrote this press release.
Morrison High School’s Scholastic Bowl team achieved a Grand Slam, first-place finish at the Masonic Sectional Tournament, at Prophetstown High School, on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Morrison won each of its seven matches, defeating Erie-Prophetstown (280-160); Ashton-Franklin Center (230-130); Annawan (300-120); Bureau Valley (240-190); West Carroll (230-130); Amboy (190-170); Bureau Valley (200-150.)
Bureau Valley finished second, followed by Ashton-Franklin Center (third place) and Amboy (fourth place.)
Morrison’s team consisted of Captain Quinn Blevins, Senior; Juniors Rose Melton and Maddie Mertes; Sophomores Logan Peavy and Alex Weston; Freshmen Kaitlyn Frederick, Sam Mills, and Gunner Nelson. The team’s participation in the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl was underwritten by Dunlap Lodge #321 in downtown Morrison.
Morrison’s team has advanced to the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl’s State Tournament, which will be held at Bloomington High School on Saturday, March 7.
“I would like to thank all of the parents who attended the matches to support Morrison’s team,” said Coach Brian Bartoz. “I’d also like to recognize Dunlap Lodge #321 in Morrison, for paying the team’s $150 entry fee to compete in the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl and for offering its encouragement each year.
“Tournament Director Herman Albers, members of Masonic lodges across Illinois, and Coach Emily Higgins at Prophetstown High School invested a great deal of time and effort, to ensure a successful competition on Saturday, as did Coaches who hosted the tournament sites across Illinois. Thank all of the volunteers from Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico District #3, who served as moderators, scorekeepers, timekeepers, office staff, and other volunteers on Saturday.”
For the 2025-26 season, Morrison has a 36-18 overall record in Varsity matches, as of February 21.
“I am very pleased with the team’s performance this season,” Bartoz said. “Our after-school practices and students’ independent review activities are yielding solid results. Each player brings a specialized base of knowledge to the team.”
Bartoz continued, “I’d like to recognize District #6 for its support for Scholastic Bowl, including Athletic Director Matt McCormick, Mrs. Eads, Mrs. Hanson, Superintendent Dr. DeBaene, Principal Dr. Markham, and everyone in a leadership role in District #6, for supporting our team. Thank you to Volunteer Assistant Coach RJ Tillman for her fantastic work as a Moderator, Scorekeeper, and Practice Session Leader, throughout the season. Her guidance has helped keep our team on track!” Tillman took the team photo.
The Mustangs will play Northwest Upstate Illini Conference (NUIC) opponent Polo High School on Monday, March 2, in Polo, IL.