Freshman Has Family History with Quiz Bowl Team
Freshman Joel Drees is a member of Central Catholic’s Quiz Bowl team, following in the footsteps of his father, Jim Drees ’73, and his cousin, Daniel Drees ’15. Jim was also the valedictorian of his class and the Bishop’s Cross honoree. Joel is the 26th member of his family to attend Central Catholic, including his dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of his family.
Joel wanted to join the CCHS Quiz Bowl team since he knew his family’s history, and because he and his family enjoy competing against each other when they watch Jeopardy. He didn’t get a chance to participate in Quiz Bowl when he was in junior high at Christ the King because Covid-19 canceled the competition. Joel also participated in International Academic Competitions, so he felt he had a lot to bring to the team.
This season, the Quiz Bowl team won their Academic Challenge match against Oak Harbor that will air on NBC24 on February 18. They made it to the round of 12 and will record their next round in March. Ironically, Joel’s older brother is a member of St. Francis’ Quiz Bowl team, which is also in the round of 12.
The other CCHS Quiz Bowl team members are Jackson Coker, Jamela Fox Morris, Gavin Highmore, Nazyre Hughes, Susie Iannone, Jack Pepe, Eoghan Robinson, Jack Wesley, and Isabella Zatko. Their coaches are English teacher, Mrs. Cathy Farina, and Theology teacher, Mr. DJ White.
“Joel is our most enthusiastic and dedicated Quiz Bowl team member,” said Farina. “He is also the person I am counting on to lead our team into the future. He's only a freshman this year, but he's already made his mark."
Joel attends Christ the King Parish. At Central Catholic, he is an Irish Ambassador and he plays soccer, runs cross country, and plans to play baseball and run track. He is the junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball team manager, and is a member of the Mixed Chorus, Freshman Student Council, Ohio Youth and Government, the Spanish Club, and Ambassadors for Life.
