For the first time in three years, the Cortez knowledge bowl team has advanced to the state level of competition.

Team coach Michael Ferland said that in order to advance to the state competition, they first had to win at the regional level, which meant beating long-time rival Durango High School.

"Our varsity team has battled with Durango all year," Ferland said. "The winner of the regional meet had a berth into the state meet, with the second place team only getting to go by invitation."