By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — What started on a whim developed into one of trivia’s newest and hungriest squads headed into this year’s annual extravaganza.

In the spring of 2011, Trivial Fursuit was founded when a group of friends from an online forum got together and decided to give this trivia thing a go. In an outstanding first showing, they placed 33rd, and they haven’t looked back.

Placing a very respectable third place over the last two years, this team of approximately 40 players scattered across the country is to be feared. According to team member Raymond Neupert, such quick success has come in the form of preparation and quick smarts.

“I think it comes down to preparation and organization now,” said Neupert. “The first few years we tried just tossing nerds at the internet to find things, but it became clear that we had to start crafting our own notes like the other big teams have. And those have been refined and honed after the last few years, leading up to where we are now.”

The team does have a home base in Stevens Point, even if members filter throughout the country. However, the team has fallen in love with Stevens Point — all in the name of trivia.

“It really was a spur of the moment thing the first year, but ever since then we’ve fallen in love with the contest, with Stevens Point, with the entire chaotic mess that is Trivia,” said Neupert. “This is our big chance every year to flex our brain muscles, and for some of us, to come out to Stevens Point and chill out and maybe answer some questions between Trivia Stone and having a good time.”

Participation is encouraged on all levels, as many players and non-players will be tuned into 90FM this weekend. In the end, Neupert appreciates the support for local educational radio.

“I encourage everyone who hasn’t taken part in the contest to have a listen, even for a little while, and to definitely donate to 90 FM and help keep independent educational radio on the air.”