JSU Writers Bowl
2023 JSU Writers Bowl
This fall the Jacksonville State University English Department will host the 26th JSU Writers Bowl, a team competition for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The purpose of the competition is to promote excellence in and an enthusiasm for writing.
This year’s JSU Writers Bowl will be held in Leone Cole Auditorium on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
In order to compete, each team must consist of six students: two sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors. The students do not have to have any special instruction; just choose students who will enjoy working together. Due to the space limitations, the JSU Writers Bowl can accept no more than a total of 100 teams. As has been the case in the past, schools are invited to bring more than one team, but there will be a five-team limit per school. Please do not bring additional or alternate students as we cannot make provisions for more than six members per team. The fee is $30.00 per team.
The student teams will compete in the areas of poetry and prose. All necessary instructions and information will be provided on the day of the competition. Each team will work together to produce a single submission following the same prompt as all other teams. The final written submissions will be judged by members of the JSU faculty, and awards will be given on the day of the competition.
Individuals who are members of competing teams may also enter an essay competition. This gives the student an opportunity to compete independently. Essays must follow the assigned topic and should be received no later than October 17, 2023.
Please download forms here:
If you have questions concerning the competition or your registration, please email jsuwritersbowl@jsu.edu or contact Susan Hurst 256-782-5411. All registration forms and payments must be received by October 20, 2023 and may be mailed to
English Department
Jacksonville State University
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
2023 Writers Bowl Schedule
| Time | Event |
| 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:00 a.m. | Welcome to JSU |
| 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. | Writing Competition 1 |
| 10:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Lunch (on your own) |
| 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Writing Competition 2 |
| 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Break |
| 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Awards |