BROOKINGS, S.D. — A command of the English language coupled with the art of persuasion earned the Sturgis Brown High School Speech and Debate team a sate title at the South Dakota Debate & Individual Events Tournament held recently in Brookings.
Coached by Erick Johnson and assistants Tamara Voight and Megan Oviatt, the team is comprised of, “hard working individuals who deserve the title of state champions,” said Voight, who was also named the South Dakota State Assistant Coach of the Year.
Johnson, who has coached speech and debate for the past 18 years, is going out on a high note on this, his last year of coaching. He was recognized with a service award from the Hole in the Wall NSDA district coaches.
According to Johnson, the state title represents a team efforts, noting that every student who competed in the state tournament made the final round.
Results include:
Riley Carlson is the state champion in International Extemporaneous Speaking.
In Class A Informative Speaking, Rowan Lutz placed sixth and Revan Wilde placed second.
In Class A Oratory, Allyson Tish placed third and Madisyn Richter placed second.
In Class A International Extemporaneous Speaking, Cade Tallmage placed fourth, and Riley Carlson placed first.
In Class A Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking, Ian Johnson placed sixth, and Hunter Scott placed second.
In Class A Public Forum Debate, Daniel Voight and Revan Wilde were quarterfinalists. Hunter Scott was a semifinalist in Class A Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Riley Carlson placed second.
Along with winning the state championship, six Sturgis Brown High School Speech & Debate team members qualified for the National Speech and Debate Tournament, taking place in Des Moines, Iowa in June.
They include:
Daniel Voight and Revan Wilde in Public Forum Debate, Riley Carlson in International Extemporaneous Speaking, Madisyn Richter in Oratory, Allyson Tish in Oratory, and Aaron Gray in Prose.
