For the first time in university history, a CSUSB kinesiology team has won first place in the 14th annual Southwest Student Jeopardy Bowl. Competing against 24 teams from universities across the country, including California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, New Mexico and Utah, CSUSB’s team claimed the top prize. They will advance to the national American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting in Atlanta to represent the Southwest region in May 2025. Hosted by the Southwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (SWACSM), the event was held at the Hilton Irvine/Orange County.

The winning CSUSB kinesiology team included students Ivan Flores, Mia Ramirez and Haydin Pazdur. Competing under the banner of CSUSB’s Department of Kinesiology, the students showcased their expertise in categories ranging from anatomy and biomechanics to exercise physiology and sports nutrition, outshining teams in a “Jeopardy!” style competition. The final round included challenging Single Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy, and Final Jeopardy questions with the CSUSB team leading in knowledge, strategy and teamwork.

“Hearty congratulations to our bright kinesiology students on this victory,” said Sastry G. Pantula, dean for the College of Natural Sciences. “Our kinesiology students not only know how to be physically fit but also mentally smart. We wish them the very best in Atlanta!"

The Southwest Student Jeopardy Bowl, held on Oct. 25, invites undergraduate students to test their skills across a wide range of sports medicine and health science topics. Winning the regional competition grants the CSUSB team a spot in the annual Student Bowl Competition at the national ACSM Annual Meeting. Along with the honor of representing the Southwest, the winning team will receive ACSM Annual Meeting registration, sponsored by the National ACSM, and partial support for travel, lodging and food from the regional chapter.

“We are incredibly proud of all our students who participated and especially our winning team,” said Nicole Dabbs, chair of the Department of Kinesiology. “Their hard work, dedication and passion for the field of kinesiology have led to this well-deserved achievement. We also thank the faculty who supported and guided our students through the competition and conference.”

The team’s success highlights CSUSB’s commitment to academic excellence and the exceptional achievements of its kinesiology students.