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The Coalers' speech team has begun the 2025 season with strong performances, securing first, second, and third-place finishes in their initial five tournaments.
At the Reed-Custer New Year Invitational on January 4th, the team achieved a third-place overall finish. Melody Kinder excelled in original oratory, while Jordan Olson topped the prose category. Other notable placements included Sam Vota in radio speaking and Jacob Cimino in impromptu.
The Coalers hosted their own tournament on December 21st, drawing entries from 17 schools. The varsity squad saw second-place finishes from Jordan Olson and Olivia Sage in dramatic duet acting, Madison Wilson in radio speaking, and Olson again in prose.
In earlier competitions, half of the team attended an event at Normal on December 14th where they won first place among large division schools. The other half competed at Seneca High School's Irish Invitational and secured second place. Gio Bruno and Mayson Wantroba were victorious in dramatic duet acting at Normal.
During these events, several individuals earned top spots: Grey Vanek for humorous interpretation, Jacob Cimino for impromptu speaking, Deborah Lynch for informative speaking, and Madison Wilson for dramatic interpretation.
The JV division also performed well with Jaiden Leman taking first place in extemporaneous speaking; Lilliana Aguirre excelling in humorous interpretation; Xavier Baer succeeding in original comedy; and Jolene Jones triumphing in original oratory.
Medalists from Seneca included Olivia Sage and Jordan Olson winning dramatic duet acting; Caroline Childers leading prose; Sam Vota topping radio speaking; and Melody Kinder finishing strong across multiple categories.
In Bloomington's opening tournament of the season, Madison Wilson emerged as champion in both dramatic interpretation and radio speaking. Other medalists were Mason Natyshok for original comedy and Jacob Cimino for extemporaneous speaking.
Looking ahead, the Coalers are set to compete at the Waubonsie Valley Tournament on January 11th.
