JACKSON Wyo. — The Jackson Hole High School Speech Team traveled to Cheyenne this weekend for two days of competition at the Cheyenne East High School “Holiday Classic.”
The odds were stacked. The meet was the largest and most challenging of the year, with 28 teams competing in 12 events. Jackson’s team traveled with a little over half its competitors due to the meet’s proximity to winter break. Jackson students found themselves competing in individual events against 75 or more students. Still, Jackson finished in second place with 18 sweepstakes points, behind Douglass with 20 points.
Sophomore William Aepli expanded his previous meet success with his impressive second-place finish in Congressional Debate, an event that began with over 75 competitors. Junior Josh Hansen finished in sixth place. Sophomore Carter Worcester advanced to the final rounds of the event as well.
Freshman Julieta Anaya placed fifth in Novice Humorous Interpretation with a rendition of “Comeback Kid” by John Mulaney. Julieta went on to team with junior Abbi Daugherty to place sixth in Novice Duet Interpretation.
Freshman Blanca Sartillo took home fourth place in Novice Program Oral Interpretation. Her piece looks at the distortion of the hispanic culture and identity in America.
Coach Gagnon commented, “The small size of our team this weekend created a unique and close-knit atmosphere. It was neat to see everyone supporting and looking out for all their fellow team members. This is a tournament where students need to execute nearly flawless performances to break out of preliminary rounds. Everyone on our team benefited from facing the depth of competition present in Cheyenne. Because this was a Tournament of Champions qualifying tournament, the caliber of students present was very high. We look forward to the heart of our season when we can travel with a full roster.”
The team will travel next to Kelly Walsh in Casper on Jan 10-11 where all students will compete in the varsity category of events.
