Speech takes first

The Bobcat Speech and Debate team had another stellar weekend, this time bringing home first place in 1A/2A at the Gillette Thunder Basin Bolt Blast tournament.

Working their way through the competition to a fifth place win was senior, Dion Lahoe.

Madeline Wagler took the virtual stage, too, coming away with a fifth place in congress.

Junior Jean-Luc Willson just missed finals in extemp, earning points in semi-finals.

“This was their first all-varsity tournament of the year,” coach Cindy Glasson said, “and our upper classmen had a good showing. To kick the varsity season off with a win is very satisfying for coach (Lyle) Wiley and me.

Glasson added there are still team members that are working on pieces and should be up and running in time for the Star Valley tournament Jan. 22-23.

“It’s been a bit strange this year, the kids out of school due to COVID for a time, followed by Christmas break,” Glasson said. “That’s put some of them a bit behind in being on their feet, but they’re catching up quickly.”

“It was good to get back in the saddle this weekend after a long break,” coach Wiley said. “The debaters had new resolutions for which to write cases, and I think everyone was knocking off the rust a little bit.

“That being said, the competition at the tournament was strong and included a number of South Dakota schools, and we held our own. The students continue to work hard and prepare, and we are very proud of the effort that the team is putting forward right now.”

The Cats will host their home tournament, virtually, this weekend. With it being virtual, judging can be done from the safety of your home, wherever you are, with a computer or laptop and an internet connection.

If you are interested in judging, please contact Glasson or Wiley at cglasson@hotsprings1.org or lwiley@hotsprings1.org.