Schools
St. Michael-Albertville Speech Team Continues Successful Season with Three State Bids
The team continues to set the mark thanks to outstanding performances last week at the Section Meet.
STMA will send three to state in speech, including two section champions, after Section 5AA competition Tuesday at St. Michael-Albertville High School. Champions include Isaac Heieie in prose and Cody Goodchild in extemporaneous speaking. Placing third and also advancing to state is Caitlyn Duley in creative expression.
“I’m very proud of this group,” said Michael Frickstad, head speech coach. “Section 5AA is very competitive, so to have two section champions and three advancing to state is no small feat.”
Also competing in final rounds and receiving section honors were Nicole Logeais, placing sixth in humorous; Gabrielle Thompson of Buffalo, placing fourth in great speeches; and Jed Rothstein, who earned fourth place in extemporaneous speaking. Many others were close to advancing.
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“We had a lot of people right on the edge of making finals,” said assistant coach Ron Miller. “It’s just that tough at the section meet to break into the top six in each event.”
STMA placed third overall in the team trophy competition, behind the powerhouses of Centennial High School and Mounds View High School. Section 5AA featured over 325 competitors in the evening speech showdown, including over 40 from STMA and Buffalo. It was the largest group ever assembled for sections.
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At the section tournament the combined “St. Buffaville” team was split back to St. Michael-Albertville and Buffalo due to MSHSL rules.
2011 marks only the fourth time in school history STMA will advance three to state. Past times include 2004, 2007, and 2010.
The state tournament will be held at Chanhassen High School April 15 and 16.
Section 5AA Speech Results, STMA
1st - Cody Goodchild, extemp. speaking
1st- Isaac Heieie, prose
3rd- Caitlyn Duley, creative expression
4th- Gabrielle Thompson, great speeches
4th – Jed Rothstein, extemp. speaking
6th- Nicole Logeais, humorous
TEAM: 3rd Place
Special thanks to Ron Miller for compiling this article for St. Michael Patch.
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