CWU Wins Annual Nutrition College Bowl

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Judging from results this past weekend, Central Washington University can lay claim to having the top food science and nutrition students on the West Coast. That claim is based on CWU's victory at the "Nutrition College Bowl," which was held Saturday (April 1) at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

"We're very pleased with the outcome," says Dr. David Gee, CWU food science and nutrition professor. "It confirms what our advisory board has been saying about our program; that it is one of the best in the state. Now, that extends to one of the best programs in the West."

This was the fourth year of the competition, but the first time students outside of California were eligible to participate. In all, Central was among seven competing schools, including the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley); Pepperdine University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly); San Diego State University (SDSU) and the host, CSUN.

CWU defeated SDSU in the first round, UC Berkeley in the semifinals and Cal Poly in the finale.

The CWU team was comprised of senior food science and nutrition majors Jonina Campbell from Port Angeles, Wash.; Megan Cleveland, Marysville, Wash.; Tonia Martin, Spokane Valley, Wash.; and Carissa Sundsmo, Graham, Wash. Nutrition graduate student Laura Wiseley, Yakima, coached the squad.

"We worked very hard to prepare but had no idea what to expect when we arrived in California," Wiseley says. "We had set a team goal of not being eliminated in the first round, but I don't think any of us expected to take first place. This win really inspired a lot of confidence in our school and our department, and validated the years of hard work that these students have put into learning about their field."

With the victory, the CWU team brought home a $1,000 scholarship to support students in the food science and nutrition program.

The only event of its kind in the nation, the Nutrition College Bowl is designed to encourage an enthusiasm for learning, a spirit of teamwork and a sense of community among students enrolled in nutrition and food science programs at colleges and universities across the region.

Contact: Dr. David L. Gee (509-963-2772/fax 509-963-2787/e-mail: geed@cwu.edu)

Public Relations and Marketing: (509) 963-1493