PHS speech team takes state championshipThe Powell High School speech team made it five state championships in a row last weekend, beating out not only their 3A rivals, but edging out 4A champion Cheyenne East for the overall title.Coach Jack Brimhall said the 58 points accumulated by Powell was the highest score his team has scored and was the single best state performance a Powell team has had in his seven years coaching the team.

“They were absolutely amazing. Only one entry failed to break, and they were just one out. Every other entry broke to at least semis,” Brimhall said. “This is unheard of at the state meet because of the competitive nature of the activity and sheer numbers.”

Chris Padilla was the leading scorer for Powell, according to Brimhall, finishing second overall and first in 3A in extemporaneous speaking and second in Lincoln-Douglas debate.

“Other notable performers were everyone,” Brimhall said.

Lisa Schiermeister tied with Padilla in Lincoln-Douglas and was judged first in 3A, proving. Brimhall said their performance in a field of 40 debaters “proved, regardless of age or class, they are two of the best in the state.”

Cross-examination debaters Saige Smith and Trista Ostrom also reached the semifinals and finished second in 3A and third overall.

In student Congress, Nick Pierson finished sixth.

In interpretive events, Matthew Condie was state champion, taking first over all, with teammate Glen Prell finishing right behind in second place.

“Matthew Condie and Glen Prell taking first and second overall in poetry was exciting,” Brimhall said. “Both have worked hard all year. After third place was announced, and only Glen and Matthew were left, we didn't care who won. Those two set that as a goal and reached it.”

Josey Nickles finished second overall and first in 3A in drama, and Rachel Bjornestad was the top 3A entry in humor and third overall.

“This was Josey's final tournament, and she had a good one,” Brimhall said. “Rachel Bjornestad saved her best humor tournament of the year for state. Third place overall in this competitive event of 58 total competitors was outstanding.”

Powell's semifinalists included Shelby Moore in extemporaneous speaking and Chase Werbelow in poetry, both of whom were second among 3A competitors. Condie and Bjornestad finished third in 3A in duet and Schiermeister was third in 3A in extemporaneous speaking after reaching the semi-finals. The duet team of Prell and Werbelow also reached the semis and finished fourth in 4A. The team competes next at the district tournament.