SU Becomes First MADAAG World Geography Bowl Champion

SALISBURY, MD---In political geography, what is the term that denotes the shared administration of a territory by two governments?

Know the answer? Students on Salisbury University’s World Geography Bowl team did (it’s “condominium,” by the way). Their knowledge of economic and urban geography recently led them to victory as the championship team at the first regional World Geography Bowl sponsored by the Middle Atlantic Division of the Association of American Geographers (MADAAG).

“I hadn't done a competition of this nature since the mid-'90s at the Maryland Geography Bee,” said SU senior Robert Eversberg of LaPlata, MD, who became the competition’s unofficial Most Valuable Player, answering more questions correctly by himself than any other team combined. “The higher priority for me was helping bring a victory to the SU team.”

SU bested teams from two other schools—George Washington University and Frostburg State University—for that victory. However, students from all three schools will advance to the national World Geography Bowl in Las Vegas. The six students who answered the most questions correctly, including Eversberg and teammate Bryan Thom, a senior from Abingdon, MD, will form the Mid-Atlantic All-Stars, representing their region at the nationwide contest.

“The competition is much stiffer at the national level because you’re competing against all-stars from around the country,” said Dr. Michael Scott, co-advisor for the SU team, along with Dr. Mark de Socio.

While no physical prizes were given at this year’s inaugural regional event, Scott said the students received non-tangible rewards by attending the MADAAG’s regional meeting, where the competition was held. There, they were able to network with professional geographers and learn more about what careers may be available for them upon graduation.

Beyond that, however, “Bragging rights are the key” in motivating students during the competition, Scott laughed.

Other students from Salisbury’s championship team earning those bragging rights were freshman Matthew Dennison of Olney, MD; sophomore Brian Karkosh of Churchton, MD; and junior Alyssa Schindel of Salisbury.

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.