“Is It Langston Hughes?”: The Story of the 2023-24 Quiz Bowl Team
By Riley Candreva
The Comsewogue Quiz Bowl Team came back strong for the 2023-24 season. After losing seven seniors last season, the team was left with just three players. Thankfully, due to smart recruitment tactics, the Quiz Bowl team was able to build back and be a great team again.
Quiz bowl is a sport where two teams compete to see who can answer the most trivia questions. There are four rounds. In round one, the teams can answer questions without any risk of losing points if they get it wrong. If a team answers a question correctly, they will get a bonus question that only they can answer.
In round two, the losing team will get to choose between question sets A and B. If the team gets a question in the set wrong, the other team gets a chance to answer for half the points.
In round three, the losing team will get to select a question set from three categories. There are 10 questions in each set with a time limit of 60 seconds to answer them all. Just like in round two, if a team answers a question wrong, the other gets to answer for half the points.
Round four has a similar format to round one with a few exceptions. If you get a question wrong, you lose points and there are no bonus questions. After all four rounds are over, the scores are tallied up and a winner is declared.
The team was put together through students who joined to show off their trivia skills and with students whom Mrs. McGuinness, the team’s coach, recruited onto the team after consulting with other teachers.
Mrs. McGuinness was interviewed and asked what she thought of this year’s team. She responded, “I’m disappointed that this is the first time in, I don’t know, 15 years that there are no girls on the team. But other than that, the teams are amazing.”
Two members of this year’s varsity team, Giovanni Aliperti and Joe Finn, were asked what they thought of the team. Giovanni responded, “We look pretty good. I think we’re going to make the playoffs and make a deep run”. Joe responded, “We have a very strong varsity and junior varsity team. I’m excited to see where this season leads.”
The team won 2 out of 3 games during the round-robin stage of the playoffs. Unfortunately, the team just missed out on advancing to the next round by one question.
Both Giovanni and the team’s captain, Riley Candreva, are graduating this year. Mrs. McGuinness is also retiring this year. Despite the loss of these two heavy hitters and the coach, the team’s future looks bright with Joe Finn and Will Swierupski staying another year.
With the introduction of freshman, Chaeten Modgil. Mr. Wessel and Mr. Fischetti are ready to take Mrs. McGuinness’ place and lead this team into its bright future.
Video by Ellie Judd
Photo property of Comsewogue High School
Video produced By Aidan Bayer and Jordan Fields
Photos Property of Comsewogue High School
300 or Bust
300 or Bust
By Aidan Bayer
In the world of high school sports, certain teams often steal the spotlight, like football, basketball, and soccer often dominate the local headlines. However, there's a team rolling their way to success: the Comsewogue Boys Bowling Team. While bowling might not draw the same attention as other sports, the Comsewogue Boys Bowling Team has been slowly making a name for themselves, not only within their school but also in the wider bowling community.
The Comsewogue Boys Bowling team is considered one of the best Bowling teams in the county. Led by dedicated coaches, John Romero, and a roster of talented athletes, like Anthony Manetta and Riley Candreva, and also help from other boys from Ward Melville High School, the boys have been on an impressive winning streak in recent years.
What sets them apart is not just their skill on the lanes but also their team spirit. One of the defining characteristics of the Comsewogue Boys Bowling Team is their inclusivity. Unlike some other sports where only a select few get to shine, bowling welcomes athletes of all skill levels.
“Bowling is one of those things that anyone can enjoy and become good at very quickly,” said Anthony. This has allowed the team to flourish, with members supporting and encouraging each other to improve and succeed.
“At the beginning of the year we didn't look as competitive as the past few years but we came together as a team and made it happen,” said Candreva.
The team's success is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of their coaching staff. Behind every strike and spare are hours of practice and coaching, ensuring that each player reaches their full potential. “I spent countless hours during practices to make sure these kids got what they worked hard for,” said John Romero. Romero not only introduces the technical skills of the game but also the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.
But perhaps what truly sets the Comsewogue Boys Bowling Team apart is their sense of community. Bowling is not just a sport for them, it's a bond that brings them together. “Some of the kids on the team have been friends since they were 5 years old” when I asked Anthony. So everyone had a sense of family going into practice and matches.
Whether it's cheering on a teammate, sharing strategies, or celebrating victories the boys are always supportive. Their success has not gone unnoticed. They have consistently performed well in tournaments and competitions, showcasing their talent and determination.
But for the members of the team, it's not just about winning trophies, it's about the love for the game and the friendships formed along the way. Bowling has provided them with a platform to excel, to challenge themselves, and to form lifelong bonds.
As they continue to rack up strikes and spares, the Comsewogue Boys Bowling Team serves as an inspiration to their friends and a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and a passion for the sport. In a world where the spotlight often shines on conventional sports, they prove that success can come in many forms, even on the polished wood of a bowling alley.
Photos Property of Comsewogue High School
Video created by Ellie Judd.
Comsewogue Runs on Brew Crew
Comsewogue Runs on Brew Crew
by Sophia Di Domenico
The Brew Crew has been a great new addition here at Comsewogue High School. The Life Skills Class is learning how to make coffee, teas, add toppings, and more; by taking orders, serving the VIP customers, or making drinks!
This new venture helps the Life Skills class gain experience in a fast-paced environment, running their stand every Tuesday and Wednesday, with a bigger line each day. Ever since their opening in the fall, their business has never decreased, with exceptional service and drinks.
Mrs. Dornicik and Mrs. Cespites came up with the idea for Brew Crew this year to raise money to fund the many expenses the Life Skills class has. They thought that their students could not only learn about how a business works, but also earn money for the many programs within the class.
Students of Comsewogue have truly enjoyed this new addition to the high school. Angelica Paulson, a frequent customer of the store, said, “Good drinks, at good prices. Love it!” She also said “I like their festive seasonal drinks!” and “Their umbrellas are adorable as well.”
Simone Puleo, another student customer, says she “loves the variety of drinks that they have, and their customer service is always amazing.”
Recently they added teas to the menu. “The teas are very flavorful,” stated Mrs. O’Hara, “I enjoyed the raspberry iced tea.”
They also have a “VIP Pass,” which costs $25 for 15 drinks, which gives a $5 discount to members. Mr. Valerio, a VIP Pass member, enthusiastically stated, “I love the Brew Crew. It is a great idea to give the kids skills they can use in the real world. It is also great to get a good caffeine boost during the day!”
Comsewogue students and staff love the Brew Crew and look forward to freshly made coffee and teas for years to come.
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