Your Warrior Speech Team competed at Districts this Saturday in Schuyler.  While the judging was questionable at times and left 2 deserving groups out of State contention, the OID group of Natalie Griesse, Jenna Karlin, Taylor Katt, and Lyz Kuhn were awarded with a trip to State.  Not only did this group place, it bested powerhouse Waverly and took Champion OID!  The OID group of Matthew Eames, Tori Miller and Tyler Nicholas made it to finals and took 4th overall. The Duet Act of Tanner Bohlender and Andrew Malan also placed in finals, missing a shot at State by 2 points. They took 4th.  And, placing for the first time in finals - Jordan Lewis who took 5th.  Several members received their first superior ratings in this meet: Katie Rathje and CW Stoneman. These two, plus Lyz Kuhn and Elisa Hutchinson and the duet act of Victoria Kenow and Hannah Bell, took 4th in their rounds just missing finals placement. Ben Kunz, Sara Mach and Spencer Farley had strong performances, too.

There is much the be thankful for at the completion of this meet. We have been blessed with safe travel all season long.  We have a team of young people, who in a gym full of peers, is not afraid to clasp arms and pray together.  We have amazing talent coming up through the ranks and a chance to build an even stronger team and to draw others into speech - a critical life skill.  We had Mrs. Bohlender agree to give up 2 Saturdays and drive a van filled with speech team kids. We had alumnus Bobby Brown help as a co-coach this year who also gave up Saturdays to support this great group of people.  Night Striker - it has been great!

The van ride home - at least the one I drove - was bitter sweet. We had the joy of those going to state seated next to their peers whom they love and who were hurting.  The manner in which these kids dealt with their disappointment and joy would have astounded most.  By the last 30 minutes of the journey the van was rocking out to music and laughter, with all inside involved.  This is another 'last' for me and I feel like I am handing a favored child into someone else's hands for safe keeping.  I am jealous someone else will drive that van, will laugh and hurt with the kids and will see them grow in skill and personality.  Speech may not be a glam-sport/activity at Lincoln Lutheran, but it is one that creates a closeness and joy that can not be duplicated.  For three years I have been blessed to have been allowed to be a part of the team and I know that every time I drive with the sun rising while I am doing so, I will hear our horrible rendition of the Lion King song and wish I were with you.