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HARTINGTON — Cedar Catholic’s speech team is bigger, deeper and ready to compete this season as the Trojans prepare for their Jan. 17 opener in Pierce.
Cedar’s speech team has been selecting and writing pieces since mid-November as it prepares for the official start of the season Saturday, Jan. 17 in Pierce, head coach Erin Pfeifer said.
The team has grown from 16 members last year to 21 this season. Pfeifer said many team members plan to compete in two or more events, which will strengthen the team overall.
Pfeifer said three of last season’s juniors have returned: Ava Stewart, Breah Steffen and Isabel Rolfes. She said all three had strong performances throughout last year, including at districts.
“Rolfes represented us well at the state championship last season, with a sixth-place finish in persuasive speaking,” Pfeifer said.
Pfeifer said the sophomore class makes up the majority of the roster with 12 students. She said 10 of those sophomores are returning competitors.
“I am also excited about our sophomore class, who create a majority of the team with 12 students,” Pfeifer said. “They are all very talented, and 10 of them are returners from last season.”
One of those returning sophomores, Landon Ruter, placed third at state last season in humorous prose. Pfeifer said he plans to compete in multiple events again this year.
Pfeifer said the team’s biggest strengths are the students’ dedication and drive, which has already shown in the goals they have set for themselves and the work they have put in leading up to the season.
“I can see this drive clearly in the time they have already put into practicing before and during Christmas break,” Pfeifer said.
“Everyone is chomping at the bit to get this season underway so we can show everyone what we’ve got,” Pfeifer said.
The coach said student interest plays a key role in event selection and the script selection or writing process.
“I help the students look at selections and topics, always making sure their interests and personalities are going to be evident in their work to make them more enjoyable,” Pfeifer said. “My team members have free range on deciding what events they want to compete in, and they make that call based on what they enjoy and what openings for the varsity team I have.”
Pfeifer said coaching is rewarding because of the students’ commitment and the pride they take in their performances.
“Going to meets and seeing how proud they are of their own work makes me proud of them,” Pfeifer said. “I also enjoy watching their hard work pay off when I consider how far their pieces have come since the beginning of the season.”
Cedar Catholic will compete in approximately 12 meets this season, primarily on Saturdays with a few weekday events.
The Trojans’ district meet is scheduled for Friday, March 20 in Creighton, followed by the state championship meet Friday, March 27 in Kearney.
