This past weekend, Lennox High School speech and debate led by eight senior members placed second behind Spearfish High School at the State Speech and Debate Tournament held in Aberdeen, SD. The Lennox team ended up just seven points behind Spearfish and thirty nine points ahead of third place finisher Milbank.
Several members of the team earned individual honors. In original oratory, Sarah Logan placed sixth. In domestic extemporaneous speaking, Nathan Waltjer placed fourth and John Steever placed second. In international extemporaneous speaking, Brady Jandl placed fifth and August Meyer placed third.
On the debate side in public forum debate, the team of Ben Lund and John Steever took third place and were awarded semi-finalists. Madison Marquardt also placed third and was a semi-finalist in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
In what will probably be the final year of “A” policy debate, Brady Jandl and August Meyer were crowned champions.
To get to second place, every member of the team contributed with a win. Also picking up wins in the tournament included Joseph Meyer and Hannah Hagena in public forum, Nathan Waltjer in Lincoln-Douglas debate, Travis Klinkhammer in original oratory, and Traesha West and Catlynn Lee in policy debate.
“This was one of the closest State tournaments I can recall. A difference of seven points is a judge or two voting differently in a round. The Lennox students showed great poise and determination this weekend. The school couldn’t have asked for better representatives. The team will miss the seniors graduating this year. It has been an honor to watch them grow, gain life-long skills, and become amazing young adults. All I can say to them is thank you,” stated coach Michael Larson.
The team is coached by Larson and Brooke Fodness.
Seniors on the team included Traesha West, Catlynn Lee, Brady Jandl, August Meyer, Madison Marquardt, Travis Klinkhammer, Ben Lund, and John Steever.