PLU’s kinesiology team places third at 2021 national sports medicine knowledge bowl

“This experience was one for the books. I used to compete on a knowledge bowl team in high school, so it was fun to compete again and represent the department of kinesiology,” said Pociernicki. “It brought me a lot closer to Brianna and Emily and created a stronger relationship between the three of us.”

Whittaker, Pociernicki, and O’Malley competed against winners of all eleven ACSM regions, including large public universities like University of Alabama, Michigan State University, and Baylor University. The competition was divided into two rounds, followed by a final jeopardy question. The trio of competitors from PLU excelled in the categories of metabolism, anatomy, behavior, and endocrinology. 

“This achievement is significant to us and PLU because it shows how great our undergraduate program is and the opportunities it offers,” said Pociernicki. “It put PLU on the map and I couldn’t be happier about that as this school deserves the recognition.” 

To qualify for the national competition, O’Malley competed with 2020 teammates Nate Adams ’20, Sam Crompton ’20. Together, they defeated thirty teams from around the region to win the ACSM Northwest Regional Student Knowledge Bowl and qualify for nationals. Due to the pandemic, Adams and Crompton graduated before the team could compete in nationals, so new additions Whittaker and Alyssa had to step-up and prep-up for the challenge.

“I’m proud of the way both of our teams worked with each other and played off of each other’s strengths, and that we performed well when we were given a chance to display our knowledge,” said O’Malley.

“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Charlie Katica who mentored both student-bowl groups. “We are extremely proud of the students’ hard work and effort in this competition,”