The Owatonna Speech team had their first competition on Feb. 4 in Cannon Falls. The team participated in 13 categories such as: Creative Expression, Discussion, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous Reading, Extemporaneous Speaking, Great Speeches, Humorous Interpretation, Information Speaking, Original Oratory, Serious Drama Interpretation, Serious Poetry Interpretation,Serious Prose interpretation and Storytelling. Senior Isaiah DaMitz said “The Cannon Falls meet went well as a team, we had multiple teammates who placed with one even getting first. Good start to what’s going to be a great season.”

The speech team has two new coaches. OHS special education teacher Ms. Jennifer Jeno and OJHS English teacher Nicole Wagner both have coaching experience.Coach Jeno added to how the first tournament went, “Our first tournament went very well with the majority of our team members placing in the Top 7 of their categories.Sophomore Carolyn Stauffer took 1st in her category -Novice Original Oratory. Which was great because it’s her first year in speech and her first tournament. We are looking forward to our next tournament.” Their next meet will be at John Marshall High School on Saturday, Feb. 11.