Academic Quadrathalon Team Wins at National Beef Bowl

The UW–Madison Academic Quadrathlon team celebrated its 20th anniversary with a win at the National Cattleman’s Beef Association National Beef Bowl competition in Kansas City, Mo. on Jan. 31.

The NCBA National Beef Bowl differs from the traditional Academic Quadrathlon in that all questions focus on animal science as it relates to cattle. All team members compete in the four parts of the contest: a short answer quiz bowl, written comprehension, a public presentation, and a lab practicum.

“The Quadrathlon is a reflection of the students’ knowledge of animal science,” says UW–Madison animal scientist Bob Kauffman. “It’s a fun learning experience based on four years of academics. The coaches are the teachers.”

Team members include Scott Borgwardt of Valders, Wis; Ron Patterson of Glen Haven, Wis; Debbie Woolstrum of Milton, Wis; and Jerrad Zimmerman of Platteville, Wis. At Kansas City, Arin Crooks of Brodhead, Wis. and David Meyer of Loyal, Wis. were alternates. Team members all study in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Borgwardt and Woolstrum are dairy science majors; the others are majoring in animal science.

Montana, Oklahoma and Penn State also competed at the national competition.