Masonics

by Brad Fischer Hall of Fame Coach David Reinstein
Updated by Kristin Strey August 2026

These pages are part of the Coaches’ Handbook, a repository of knowledge available to IHSSBCA members. Log in as a member to access the full handbook.

Masonic Academic Bowl

The Grand Lodge of Illinois generously sponsors an annual statewide Academic Bowl tournament. Entrance into the tournament is free for all schools. The tournament is divided into three classes, based on school size. In each class, the top four teams at each Sectional site receive scholarship money. The winning team at each Sectional site then advances to the State tournament, where the top four teams earn further scholarship money.

Each year, the Grand Lodge donates more than $40,000 in scholarship money to our students and teams, on top of providing a premier competition. The Illinois Scholastic Bowl community owes much of its success to the support of the Masons, and the IHSSBCA deeply thanks the Grand Lodge.

The Grand Lodge has put together the following short guides for moderators, coaches, players, and site managers.

To enter the tournament, follow the instructions posted at academicbowl.org/register-to-compete by the first week of January. If you have any questions, please contact Academic Bowl Chairman Herman Albers at albers@htc.net.