WHO: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Marine Education Center

WHAT:  The 2010 Hurricane Bowl, a rapid-fire, quiz bowl style ocean sciences competition

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 6 - event begins at 8 a.m. NOTE: best photo/video opportunity 1-3:30 p.m.

WHERE: The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Miss. 

DETAILS: This event is a regional ocean sciences quiz bowl competition for high school students. Twenty teams totaling 96 students and representing 14 high schools from Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee are expected. The winner of the central Gulf of Mexico competition will be invited to the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in St. Petersburg, Fla., where the team will compete against competition winners from 24 other regional sites, April 23-25.  

PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY:  1 – 3:30 p.m.

• Expressive students; buzzer-response to rapid-fire questioning
• Some students wear costumes
• Bayou/marsh tours aboard the R/V Sea Explorer; specimen museum, nature walks and aquaria tours for eliminated teams

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

• Traveling east on I-10: take the Ocean Springs Exit #50 and follow Hwy. 609 (Washington Avenue) about 3 miles to U.S. 90. Turn left on U.S. 90; right on Bechtel Boulevard (4th traffic light); cross the railroad tracks; left on Government Street (a 4-way stop); right on Halstead Road (a 3-way stop); go south to the beach; GCRL entrance is to the left.
• Traveling west on I-10: take the Ocean Springs Exit #57; turn left (south) and follow Hwy. 57 to U.S. 90. Turn right on U.S. 90. Go about 4.5 miles (6th traffic light) to Hanley Road. Turn left on Hanley; cross railroad tracks; right on Government (a 4-way stop); left on Halstead (a 3-way stop); go south to the beach; GCRL entrance is to the left.

CONTACT: Martha Duvall, 228.327.8775 or This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu/gulfcoast.