Trivia Time: St. Michael-Albertville Girls Soccer Hosts Big Event

As school districts tighten their belt, extracurricular activities have often taken it open their collective selves to raise funds to succeed, including money for trips, new uniforms and even equipment.

Friday night, the St. Michael-Albertville girls' soccer team is putting a new twist on that idea, looking to raise money with an event that promises an evening of fun, combined with a test of wits.

The girls' team will host its first ever "Trivia Night" at the cafeteria/commons area, with the fun beginning a 7 p.m. and running until about 9 p.m. Spokesperson Charise Schuttz said the event is a perfect fit for a squad that was the Mississippi 8 Academic Champion last year.

"We were just looking to do something different, rather than going door-to-door with cookie dough orders or coupon cards," Schutz said. "We went to our church's trivia night a few months ago, and it was so much fun and raised some money for some programs, and we wondered how we could bring that here. This is the best way to do it."

The night will put people into teams of eight. Some, like the St. Michael Elementary teachers, will bring their army as one team. Others, like Patch (for example), might have one or two representatives ready to lend their knowledge to other groups to comprise a team.

There is an entry fee, which can be paid at the door. Teams of eight will be charged $75. But each round will have prizes and give-aways, so there's a good chance to earn back that money, if you're up for it.

"It's been eight years since the girls' uniforms have been replaced," Schutz said, noting most programs used to rotate out uniforms every five years. "Some of the shorts and shirts have fallen apart. And we know budgets are still tight and this isn't a priority for the district, but if we can do it this way, that'd be great."

Minnesota Teacher of the Year finalist Ryan Canton will serve as the evening's Emcee, which is also fitting, Schuttz said.

"He told me he's got questions in a few different cateogries, including 'Name that Tune,'" she said.

Head coach Megan Johnson, who led the girls' to a Mississippi 8 Conference title last year and a runner-up finish each of the last two years in Section 5AA, said she's looking forward to seeing everyone, and competing.

IF YOU GO:

What: St. Michael-Albertville High girls' soccer team Trivia Night fundraiser

Where: St. Michael-Albertville High School cafeteria/commons

When: Doors open at 6:30, games begin at 7 p.m.

Why: To raise funds for the girls' soccer program

How much: $75 for a team of eight