Three University of Vermont exercise science students represented UVM at the New England American College of Sports Medicine (NEACSM) Fall Conference in Springfield, Massachusetts, where they placed second in the Peter Ronai College Bowl competition.

Students Cate Young, Eric Hoffman and Erik Sorensen competed in the Jeopardy-style academic contest, which tests undergraduate students' knowledge of exercise science, exercise physiology, sports medicine, biomechanics and related disciplines.

The 2026 conference marked the first time the UVM Exercise Science program entered a team in the competition. Competing against 21 teams from colleges and universities across New England, the students advanced through multiple rounds to earn a second-place finish.

UVM faculty and supporters cheering the exercise science quiz bowl team
Rehabilitation and Movement Science Department Chair Dr. Boyi Dai and conference attendees cheer on the College Bowl team.

"It was a competitive and fun experience," said Professor Connie Tompkins, the team's faculty representative. "The students represented UVM well." 

In addition to competing in the College Bowl, the students attended conference sessions and connected with students, faculty and professionals from across the region. Young and Hoffman also presented research at the conference.