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WYNOT — Experience could be Wynot’s biggest advantage this speech season, as several returning Blue Devils bring state-level credentials into the 2026 campaign.
With speech season nearing, the Wynot speech team got an early start over Christmas break by selecting scripts and beginning practices ahead of its first meet Saturday, Jan. 31 in Hartington, head coach Nate Wieseler said.
Wynot’s team includes 10 members this year, a slight reduction from last season, Wieseler said. He said the Blue Devils return several experienced competitors who found success at the state level a year ago.
Brianna Pinkelman is the team’s oldest returning member and the only junior. Wieseler said a group of sophomore boys also return after strong freshman seasons. Bently Guenther qualified for state in humorous prose and was state runner-up in oral interpretation of drama as part of a group. Blake Klug placed sixth at state in humorous prose, and Alic Wiebelhaus qualified for state in entertainment speaking.
Wieseler said returning members also include Joslyn Hochstein, who qualified for state in entertainment speaking, while a group of seniors earned a silver medal at state in oral interpretation of drama.
“Our strength this year is the experience this team brings,” Wieseler said. “Though we are a young team, we have a lot of talented students that got experience at the state level and got to witness many great performers. This has pushed them to return this year.”
Wieseler said selecting events and scripts is a student-led process with input from coaches.
“I find some titles that we have on hand that I think would be good for the students, and then, they ultimately choose what they like best,” Wieseler said.
He has also taken advantage of other teachers' knowledge.
“I have also conversed with the previous head coach, Zoey Wieseler, and Assistant Coach Hope Steffen about their opinions which have helped a lot in selecting scripts and topics for the kids.”
Wieseler said coaching is enjoyable because of the students’ work ethic and enthusiasm.
“I just know that we have a great group who is willing to work hard to find success, which is exactly what you want as a coach,” Wieseler said.
“All of them have another side that comes out in practices and in their speeches which is always so much fun to take part in.”
Once the season begins, the Wynot speech team will attend Saturday speech meets through early March.
Notable dates include the Lewis & Clark Conference meet Monday, March 9 in Emerson, Wynot’s district meet Monday, March 16 in Wayne and the state championship meet Saturday, March 28 in Kearney.
