CCS misses out on medals at state speech

Chase County Speech performers Andrew Wiest, George Colton, Kevin Dannatt and Zach Herbert finished the speech season last Thursday in Kearney at the Class C1 State Speech Meet. But the quartet was unable to bring home any medals from the meet.
Head Coach Alex Schilke said it is always a thrill to qualify for State speech.
“I feel like the boys competed their best. I, of course, would have liked to have had one of them in the finals. It is so bittersweet to make it to state but not final. So that was tough,” Schilke added.
Colton’s Entertainment piece “Terrible Trimmings” finished third, fourth and sixth in his three preliminary rounds.
Wiest’s Humorous Prose performance was ranked fourth, fourth and sixth in his prelims.
The Oral Interpretation of Drama’s “The Loathsome Lady” placed fifth, fourth and fifth in prelims.
Overall, Schilke said she feels like this season the CCS team lifted each other up and strove to be their best.
“I am so proud of every member of our team. Our students amaze me with their creativity, dedication, and commitment. I hope to continue to grow our team and build on this year’s success,” she added.
Schilke went on to thank the senior team members, Dannatt, Herbert and Katelyn Stamm, for their time and leadership.
“They will be missed greatly! I hope to see them back as judges in the near future! They have helped to create a culture of success within our program, and they deserve to be recognized for that,” Schilke said.
Schilke was also grateful for Co-Coach Peyton Rowley and her fresh perspective that greatly helped our team.
Schilke also credited Jodie Liess, Jill Bauerle and Brad Dinnel for help throughout the season.
“Also I want to thank parents and the community for their support,” Schilke said, as well as her husband Dale, for his support of the team and with their son this year.
“It was a different season with the addition of Ridge man, but Dale helped us make it through! Ridge felt like a member of the team, and I am so grateful for the team’s acceptance of a baby on the team,” she said.