Academic Challenge began in 1978 at radio station WHFB AM at the suggestion of Jim Miller, a philosophy teacher at Benton Harbor High School.  It was initially called Quiz Bowl.  The first match was between St. Joseph and Buchanan. 

Academic Challenge is a club for students who enjoy quiz bowl type competition.  The club competes in the WHFB regular season and post season tournament.  They also compete in the Holland Invitational.  Every fall the Bears take on the Lions Club in the annual "Brain Match."  "Lion Larry" is determined to bring back the Brain Trophy after the Bears nipped the Lions last year on the very last question.  What a great match!

The  Academic Challenge team has a long and storied tradition here at St. Joseph High School.  The team was started by former teacher Timm Pschigoda back in in 1978.  Under the direction of Mr. Pschigoda, the Bears became serious contenders and competed for Championships every year.   Today, the "Quiz Kids" are always the team to beat in Southwestern Michigan.  The Bears have placed third, runner-up, and third place the past three years at the Class "B" State Tournament on the campus of Michigan State University.