Speech and Debate team ties for second at state

The Hot Springs County High School Speech and Debate Team's successful season came to an exciting end with a runner-up finish in 1A/2A at the Wyoming Speech and Debate Tournament at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne on March 7th, 8th, and 9th. The event saw 33 schools in attendance with over 460 individual entries.

The tournament was a culmination of nearly six months of competition that started back in October. In the season ending competition, five Bobcats earned All-State designation, and two were crowned 1A/2A State Champions in individual events.

Seniors Ivey Goff and Brison Steere closed out an outstanding season with All-State honors in Duo Interpretation after earning a semifinal break and finishing tenth overall with their humorous piece. Steere added to a strong tournament and season with All-State honors in Extemporaneous Speaking. Senior Chris Bapst also ended a long career of excellent speaking performances with All-State distinction in Congressional Debate. Junior Rosalie Willson captured two 1A/2A State Champion titles: one in Extemporaneous Speaking and one with freshman partner Annalyn Sharp in Policy Debate.

The team efforts led to a tie for second place in the 1A/2A classification at the large tournament. The second place trophy finish marks the sixth consecutive year of staging in sweepstakes for the Bobcat team.  

Assistant volunteer coach Riley Jeffs captured the emotions of the tournament. "Three days, two nights, some tears, many laughs, many smiles," said Jeffs.  He added, "State had it all.  It was awesome to see the team find enjoyment this season and have it culminate in this weekend. These competitors are incredible, and I can't wait to see what they show the world in the future."

Head Coach and Wyoming Speech and Debate Association Vice President Lyle Wiley praised the Bobcat group for their tenacity and effort throughout the season. "I am beaming with pride for all of these students," said Wiley who emphasized the tremendous growth he witnessed from the team since the beginning of the season. "These students put in the work and continued to improve," he added, "And we have a lot of exciting developments to look forward to in the future. I feel so lucky that I have the opportunity to work with these students." 

Although the Bobcat's formal competitive season now concludes with this tournament, the team has a lot of growth opportunities and fundraising in their future. The team hopes to host an asynchronous online tournament for high school and middle school competitors this Spring and also compete in the NSDA Last Chance Qualifier.  Finally, the Bobcats will be represented by qualifiers at the National Speech and Tournament this June in Des Moines, Iowa.