After two very long days of competition the Emery High Speech and Debate team ended its season at the state tournament with a third place finish. The team missed second place by just five points.
The 1A and 2A tournament was held at Dixie College in St. George. Friday’s events consisted of individual competition, such as impromptu, extemporaneous speaking and oratory. The teams spent the day competing in four rounds, then into the semifinals. The finals awaited those who broke through.
Saturday, Emery had more team members break through to the finals than day one. Talin Hansen placed sixth in extemporaneous speaking and Bryson Hales placed second in spar. Hansen and Adrienne Carter placed second in public forum and Caleb Woolsey and Tanner Petersen took third.
“The team was outstanding this year,” said the team’s coach Neil Peacock. “I am very proud of all the hard work they put into making this year worth something.”
He then went on to say that next year they have a young, but really good group of kids returning or coming into the class.
Though the season has concluded, the team is planning on holding a mini-tounament between junior highs in the area to get students interested in doing speech and debate next year.