West Essex Advances on MSG Varsity's 'The Challenge'

West Essex Regional High School is one of a dozen remaining teams vying to qualify for the Tri-State Championship Playoffs of MSG Varsity’s “The Challenge.” The winning participants of the quiz show receive $500 each, as well as $10,000 for their school.

West Essex advanced to the third round of competition and will face Lakeland Regional High School on Friday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m., on Cablevision’s Optimum, Channel 14.

The quiz show challenges students on their knowledge of various subjects in front of a live studio audience.

“The Challenge” is hosted by Jared Cotter, an American Idol semi-finalist.

“The action is really heating up as we progress to the final rounds of the Regional Championships,” Cotter stated in a release. “You can see the intensity of the player’s faces and excitement of the fans building as we move on in the Regional Championship Rounds.”

West Essex team members are: Jerry Groome, Ben Gersten, Tom Haversang (Captain), Erik Maher, (Alternates) Michael Caggiano and Mark Mascera. The team’s academic advisors are C.J. Rauch and Caroline Blanchard.

“The Challenge” begins with 192 high schools from the tri-state area. A new match-up airs every Sunday through Friday, at 6:30 p.m., on MSG Varsity.