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Hartington-Newcastle speech team claims yet another state title

KEARNEY – New coach. Same result.

The Hartington-Newcastle Speech team walked away with its second straight State Speech title last week.

This marks the third time in the last four years HNS has come home with the State title. Since 2001, the Wildcats have claimed nine State championships and 10 State runner-up trophies.

A.J. Johnson was at the helm for the other State accolades. He took a small step back this year to serve as an assistant so Kyle Stevens could take over the lead role.

Stevens, who was a member of the school’s first-ever state championship speech team, did not disappoint.

The Wildcats qualified seven entries for finals to edge runner-up Plainview by six points.

Dane Gotch and Issac Santiago took home a state championship in Duet Acting. Hazel Hochstein earned a state title in Persuasive Speaking.

Other medal winners were: Hazel Hochstein–Runner Up–Informative Ryell Haug–Runner Up–Poetry Cole Heimes–4th Place–Entertainment Alyk Zach–4th Place–Poetry Issac Santiago–6th Place–Serious Prose Gotch said the team knew it would have to put in their best performances of the season in order to top Plainview and earn the State title.

'Once finals were announced many people were faced with disappointment of not making it,' he said. 'We took seven events to finals and Plainview took seven, as well. We knew there was no time for feeling disappointed as we still had a chance to bring home a championship trophy. We all knew our final performance had to be our best yet. I am very proud of the people on our team that stepped up and gave their best for the team.'

While this is his first State title as the HNS coach, Stevens is used to guiding successful speech programs.

Before coming to HNS last fall, he spent 12 years as the Wausa High School Speech Coach. His teams earned six state titles and three state runner-up trophies during his tenure.

Stevens said his goal was to be able to take his past experiences to help the HNS Speech program continue its success.

“Winning a state championship with this team has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in this activity,” he said. “I am surrounded by talented and dedicated students and coaches. We have a lot of support.”

Stevens was quick to point out the team’s success is due to great teamwork from both the participants and the coaches.

“Everyone on this team found a way to support each other and compete to get this job done. It was amazing to see how each person responded throughout the day,” Stevens said. “Everyone on this team helped to make this happen. It is such an honor to have been a part of this and to have gotten to coach such a great group of young people.”

HNS senior Cole Heimes wound up his high school speech career with another State medal. He has now earned a state medal every year of his high school career.

Heimes agreed it takes an entire team to be able to earn a State title.

“Our whole team has put so much work and time into this season,” he said. “All the long hours and late nights finally paid off. The memories, experiences, and gold medal was worth the fight. I’m proud to have been a part of this championship team, but more importantly, I’m glad that I could share that success with the whole team.”

Stevens said some team members experienced some disappointment during the day, but they were able to shake it off to support their teammates.

“All of the coaches are so proud of this team. Class C2 is such a competitive meet at state,” Stevens said.

“We faced some adversity and disappointment through the day. Nothing came easy during the day, and every point in finals counted. We had some kids who had expected to make a final and didn’t, but each member of this team showed a ton of grit and character,” he said.

Stevens said he is greatful for all the support he and the rest of the team have received from assistant coaches, the school and the community.

“This has been a great experience getting to coach with Mr. A.J. Johnson, Mr. Dylan Dendinger, and Mr. Reece Morten. We have a great support system. Mrs. Samantha Stevens and Mrs.Lindsay Stappert practiced kids and traveled with the team. Mr. Jason Morten drove the bus each week and made sure we got to each meet safely and on time. Everyone involved in this program knows what it takes to achieve and maintain success. It has been a pleasure to be a part of this program and this school district again.”

This was a great way to end the season, Stevens said, but the conclusion of the season is also a little bittersweet.

“We lose two talented seniors in Cole Heimes and Ryell Haug,” he said. “These two have earned state medals and state championships through their respective careers. It’s impossible to replace talent and leadership like this, but their contributions to this program will not be forgotten.”

Even without those two veterans, the program is set up to succeed next year, as well, Stevens said.

“We return a good group next season with a lot of experience at the highest levels of this activity. It will be exciting to see what the 2026 season brings for the Wildcats,” he said.