ROCHELLE — It was part reflex and all knowledge for four Rochelle Township High School students competing in a scholastic bowl in Rockford Saturday.
The students, Conrad Milton, Matthew Malaker, Anakin Weston, and Connor Lenkaitis participated in the 35th Annual Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl sectionals at Boylan High School.
The Rochelle Masonic Lodge sponsored both the RTHS team and a team from Ashton-Franklin Grove High School. The quiz bowl requires knowledge in subjects such as math, science, social studies, literature, and fine arts, combined with quick action to beat the opponents to the buzzer.

Bud Norcross, Rochelle Masonic Lodge Secretary, said this year there were 307 lodges across the state that helped to sponsor 319 schools. Twelve schools participated at Boylan and in all there were 32 sites across Illinois that hosted the sectionals.
 “These students are very good at those subjects…the authors, artists, and math questions were the most amazing to me,” Norcross said. “I didn’t even understand some of the questions, let alone what the answer was.”
The winning teams will compete in the state finals on March 3 and although both the RTHS and AFG teams will not advance, Norcross remarked on the RTHS team’s takeaway from the day.
“I heard the kids say to themselves that it wasn’t about winning, but it’s about having fun,” Norcross said. “I think that’s a great perspective…it isn’t always about winning. They were having fun, and it’s a good clean wholesome sport. The Masonic Lodge is proud to sponsor the event. It’s a good clean activity for the young people.”