Speech team competes in holiday classic

The Bobcat Speech and Debate team competed in the 2021 Cheyenne East Holiday Classic, which had 800+ entries from 19 states and 3 countries.

Jean-Luc Willson was one spot out from breaking into semifinals in Extemporaneous Speaking. He finished 10th in a huge group of varsity Extemporaneous speakers.

Josiah Butler finished in the top 15 of Extemporaneous Speaking.

Jean-Luc and Josiah both finished 3-1 in Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Jean-Luc was 9th overall (just one spot out of breaking to Quarterfinals) and Josiah was 12th.

Elizabeth Keller finished 1-3 in Lincoln-Douglas, but had very high speaking points from judges. There were over 50 LD competitors.

Bobcat Novice Extemporaneous Speakers all did their best speeches of the season so far, according to coach Lyle Wiley.

Riley O’Brien, Chris Bapst, and Rosalie Willson all finished in the top 20 of novice Extemporaneous.

Madeline Wagler finished 8th in one round of Congress and in the top 30 of a huge field of Congress competitors.

“The Holiday Classic was an absolutely huge virtual tournament and the closest thing to a Nationals tune-up we will see this year. It was so great to see our varsity competitors hanging with debaters from big schools in California, Taiwan, Colorado, and all over. Our students did a phenomenal job in an extremely competitive tournament,” said coach Wiley.

He added, “We are so excited to start our in-person Speech and Debate season after Christmas break.”

The Bobcats will head to Jackson for their first in-person tournament in almost two years on January 7, which will be followed by a tournament in Worland on January 22.

“It is going to energize our team, help us grow as a unified group, and give us even more motivation to grow as speakers, thinkers, and competitors,” said coach Wiley.

He added, “We have strong senior leadership this year and hope for a strong competitive season for our Bobcat Speech and Debate Team.”