Sport and Exercise Physiology Students Make DSU History by Winning MARC College Bowl
The atmosphere at the annual College Bowl of the Middle Atlantic Regional Conference (MARC) was energetic and competitive. Only the team with the most points could win the intense Jeopardy! -style competition. After boldly wagering all of their points in the final round, the DSU team was crowned regional champions–for the first time in our University’s history.
The winning team, made up of senior sport and exercise physiology majors, included Zachary Brodeur ’22, Joanne Gemperline ’22, Drew Monteleone-Haught ’22, and Michael Paustian ’22.
To win, they demonstrated their knowledge in topics ranging from biomechanics, anatomy, cardiovascular physiology, metabolism, strength and conditioning, and more. Their victory earned them more than bragging rights–they’ll be representing DSU at the national American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) meeting.
“We went into the competition with no expectations, just trying to have fun. We walked out with a trip to the national conference in San Diego,” says Brodeur.
Although this is DSU’s first MARC College Bowl victory, our University has a history of excellence at this contest.
“We have typically done well in the competition, often coming in second or third. As a department, we see this as one indication that our students are well prepared for graduate school and/or careers upon graduation.”
While the team’s coursework lays the foundation for high achievement at the College Bowl, their connection as teammates, and as a department, plays a significant role.
“We work hard as a department to generate a sense of family in our students in much the same way that many sports teams achieve a sense of family among their athletes. The victory of these few students is in a very real sense a victory for all of them,” says Fr. Burns.
Brodeur notes that he is grateful for the chemistry he shares with his fellow teammates, and that trusting each other is ultimately what led to their success. Additionally, Brodeur credits the faculty at DSU. "We would like to thank Father Burns, Dr. Ellis, and Dr. Beardsley for their help throughout our four years at DeSales. It is exciting to be the first team to represent our school on the national level.”
The national ACSM meeting will be held May 31-June 4, 2022, in San Diego. More than 7,000 people internationally are expected to attend, and each of the 12 regional College Bowl champions will compete to win the national contest.
