Behnk Crowned State Champion, EPS Speechsters Return with Eight State Medals
On Friday, five EPS Speech Team members competed in the State Speech Championships at UNK. All five members were double entered, and three of the four events broke finals.
Lydia Behnk earned the D2 gold medal in Entertainment Speaking.
The OID of Kenny Bush, Taya Voborny, Zoey Bergman, Lydia Behnk and Hunter Reestman placed third in the state in D2.
The Duet of Kenny Bush and Hunter Reestman also brought home medals, placing 7th overall.
The Duet of Zoey Bergman and Taya Voborny narrowly missed finals and earned a Superior Rating on the day.
As a team, the group placed 8th out of 41 teams.
According to EPS coaches, Behnk completed an undefeated season.
“Lydia ranked first in every round she competed in this season, including finals rounds. She won every meet. That’s quite an accomplishment and a bit of a rarity in speech.”
The coaches were ecstatic about the team’s performance at the state meet.
“These kids have worked so hard this season, and they really shined down at state. They put in some of the best performances they have had all season.”
They also had kind words for their departing seniors: Bush, Bergman, Voborny, and Jaime Hoefer.
“Kenny, Taya, Zoey and Jaime have had a tremendous impact on our speech program. Their talent, commitment, desire, and work ethic have helped to build our program. They have been such strong team leaders this season, and they have helped many of our younger members be successful.”
The team will lose some seasoned veterans to graduation.
“Kenny and Zoey are four-time state qualifiers, and Taya and Jaime are three-time state qualifiers. That’s a pretty big accomplishment. We will miss their experience and the fun they were always able to provide.”
The coaches are also hopeful for the future.
“We’ve got a lot of talent returning, including some newcomers who played tremendous roles this season.”
State Champion Behnk will return next season, as well as Reestman who earned two state medals in his season debut.
“In addition, we have Kira Widger, who qualified for state last year as a freshman and had a close call in districts this year.”
Other team members who gained valuable experience this year include juniors Ashton Evans and Carter Schindler, sophomores Brea Carr, Mateo Kirstine and Lexi Swanson, and freshman Adam Dreger.
“It takes a team, and we are proud of them all!”