Talk jocks take 2nd in Casper

The Saratoga Talk Jocks returned to speaking and debating over the weekend as they competed in the Kelly Walsh Speech Tournament on January 10 and 11 in Casper. Following the winter break, all four members of the Saratoga Speech and Debate Team are now competing at the varsity level. This upgrade for the former junior varsity members appeared to do little to dampen their drive.

Kaitlyn Campbell, who began as junior varsity, advanced to the semifinals round in Extemporaneous Speaking. Veteran talk jock Kaylyn Hunter advanced to the semifinal rounds for Program Oral Interpretation (POI).

Hunter also saw success in poetry as she not only advanced to the finals, but placed 1st overall in the category.

Along with individual success, the Saratoga Talk Jocks also placed 2nd in the 1A/2A Sweepstakes.

“This is the first tournament that all members competed as varsity,” said Head Coach Sheryl Hunter. “We will take judges’ critiques and make some changes where necessary to prepare for the next tournament.”

The speech and debate team won’t travel anywhere this weekend as the next tournament will be in Evanston on January 24 and 25.