County academic teams rack up state titles, regional hardware

Morris, Beggs and Preston students excel in quiz bowl and academic competitions

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Academic teams from Morris, Beggs and Preston schools in Okmulgee County, Oklahoma have been racking up state titles, regional championships and state tournament qualifications in a banner year for county academic competition. Morris High School's A-Team finished as state runner-up at the NAQT State Championship, while the Morris middle school teams swept regional tournaments. Beggs Middle School showed grit by advancing to the state Tournament of Champions, and Preston Middle School earned a second-place regional finish to qualify for the state tournament.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Okmulgee County academic teams showcase the depth of academic talent in the region and the commitment of students, teachers and schools to fostering excellence in areas beyond traditional sports. These achievements help raise the profile of small-school academic competition in Oklahoma and demonstrate that students in rural and smaller communities can compete at the highest levels.

The details

Morris High School's A-Team finished as the state runner-up at the NAQT State Championship, compiling a 10-2 record and earning victories over larger programs like Stillwater, Edmond Memorial, Yukon and Jenks. Two Morris students, Keyton and Gage, were named to the NAQT All-State Team. The Morris High School team also captured their fourth OSSAA state championship earlier this year. At the middle school level, both the Morris 6th/7th Grade and 7th/8th Grade teams won their respective OJABA Regional Championships to advance to the state tournament. Beggs Middle School demonstrated resilience, advancing to the consolation bracket at regionals before battling back to finish third overall and earn four individual state tournament qualifiers. Preston Middle School's 7th/8th Grade team earned a second-place regional finish to secure a spot in the state tournament.

  • The NAQT State Championship took place earlier this year.
  • The OSSAA state championship for Morris High School also occurred earlier this year.
  • The OJABA Regional Championships for Morris middle school teams were held on February 21, 2026.
  • The Beggs Middle School regional tournament was held on February 21, 2026.
  • The Preston Middle School regional tournament was held on February 21, 2026.

The players

Morris High School

A high school in Morris, Oklahoma with a strong academic team that finished as state runner-up at the NAQT State Championship and won their fourth OSSAA state championship earlier this year.

Keyton

A student at Morris High School who was named to the NAQT All-State Team and received the McKinley McGirt Sportsmanship Award.

Gage

A student at Morris High School who was named to the NAQT All-State Team.

Beggs Public Schools

A school district in Beggs, Oklahoma whose middle school academic team demonstrated resilience and competitive grit, advancing to the consolation bracket at regionals before finishing third overall and earning four individual state tournament qualifiers.

Preston Public Schools

A school district in Preston, Oklahoma whose 7th/8th Grade Academic Team earned a second-place finish at the regional tournament, securing a berth in the State Tournament.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The state tournaments for the Morris middle school teams, the Beggs individual qualifiers, and the Preston middle school team are scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The strong performances by academic teams across Okmulgee County demonstrate the depth of intellectual talent in the region and the commitment of schools to fostering excellence beyond traditional sports. These achievements help raise the profile of small-school academic competition in Oklahoma and show that students in rural and smaller communities can compete at the highest levels.