Speech team takes second

The Hot Springs County High School Speech and Debate Team had an extraordinary weekend at the Greybull tournament, coming home with a second place finish in 3A competition.

The team had students in finals in 12 events, including multiple students in a couple of them.

“All of the work this team has been putting in since November is now paying off big time,” coach Cindy Glasson said. “We are down to our final three meets, Worland, State and National Qualifiers, and they are hitting their peak of performance. I can’t ask for anything more.”

The duet team of Ashley Brawley and Katie Burrows placed sixth with their piece while Courtney Jeunehomme and Reilly Russel placed fifth with theirs.

Burrows also placed sixth with her humorous interp and sixth with her dramatic interp while Russell placed sixth with her poetry piece. Aaron Hansen brought home a fifth place medal in poetry.

Breeze Petty, who finished a solid fifth in LD debate also brought home a third place with her original oratory. Hannah Hu was the first place winner in oratory.

Tyler Kay was a triple threat in Greybull, not only doing three events, but placing in all three. He placed second with his humor and his programmed oral interp and brought down a third in drama.

Kyle Mosser, his first time out for the season, placed second with his drama piece.

“I have really been looking forward to Kyle (Mosser) getting to finally perform,” Glasson said. “He has one of those pieces that is kind of like a roller coaster – it takes you on this cute little ride, then dumps you off the bridge at the end. There aren’t a lot of really shocking drama pieces out there, but this one fits the bill.”

The team will travel on Friday and Saturday to Worland for the “Worlando Beach” tournament.

“This weekend would be a great time for folks to come see the team and what they do,” Glasson said. “Worland is close, and rounds don’t start until after noon on Friday and run until about 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, they start bright and early at 8 a.m.

“We would be happy to show anyone around the tournament, let them see the kids perform and of course, explain how a tournament works.”

Lander will be the host for the State Tournament March 8-10, followed by the National Qualifying Tournament March 15-17.