Two Bobcats qualify for speech, debate nationals

It has been about five weeks since several competitive seasons were cancelled across the state, including speech and debate.

Knowing this was difficult on the students, especially seniors, the Wyoming State Speech and Debate Association put their heads together to figure out a way to not only have the State Tournament remotely, but to be able to choose National Qualifiers, which will also be held remotely rather than in person.

After getting permission from the National Speech and Debate Association, a specific formula was used to determine which students in the state qualified for the National Tournament.

The Bobcats had a fantastic showing using the formula and qualified two students for Nationals in June – Breeze Petty in Congress and Hannah Hu in Oratory.

Both Petty and Hu are second time qualifiers for the national event. Petty also qualified in LD debate, but as she can only do one event at Nationals, she chose Congress.

Other Bobcats were in the running as well, named alternate attendees. If other qualifiers in their events cannot attend or choose not to participate, these students could move up the ladder into a qualifying position.

Kris Lahoe and Kyle Mosser were named fourth alternates in Duet. Mosser was also named fourth alternate in Drama.

Jean-Luc Wilson was named fifth alternate in Congress as well as third alternate in Foreign Extemp.

Jacob Randall was named fourth alternate for Domestic Extemp.

Both Wilson and Randall could still qualify for World Schools Debate if others ahead of them determine they’re not competing.

“This is an amazing group of kids,” coach Cindy Glasson said. “I’m not at all surprised that we had so many in the running for Nationals.

“Of course, I’m extremely proud of Breeze (Petty) and Hannah (Hu). It’s amazing that they have qualified two years in a row. Both girls worked hard to get where they are.”

“Even though the team and the speech and debate community endured a disappointing end to the scheduled season,” coach Lyle Wiley said, “it was so great to see the team rewarded for all their hard work this season through the National Qualifying awards.”

Glasson was named Communicator of the Year by the Wyoming State Speech and Debate Association for her work in promoting speech and debate.

Petty was also named as Student Ambassador for Speech and Debate by the Wyoming Association.

“The team is also working hard to get ready for the very first online State Tournament,” Wiley said, “and I am so proud of the effort and positive approach of our Bobcats through all of these difficult times.”

The State Tournament will be held remotely, with students in memorized events pre-recording their pieces. Those in other events will compete via Zoom.

The Wyoming High School Activities Association approved this method for the teams to compete and still practice social distancing.

The tournament will be held April 23-25.