COLUMBIA, TX - CoST headed to Columbia HS this past weekend with the largest squad its ever fielded and took home an assortment of trophies.
With 16 kids competing throughout the day, the team had one of its most successful tournaments ever, taking 3rd place in Overall Sweepstakes. Always facing teams that greatly outnumber them, the La Porte team performed extra well to earn the honor.
Columbia was a time to shine for many newcomers to the program. Kaitlan Hawkins and Jessica Pierson-Turner competed in their very first tournament ever and took home championships in Poetry and Extemp Speaking, respectively. First year competitor, John Lawler, added to the trophy bonanza by taking home the championship in LD Debate and a 3rd place in Extemp Speaking.
Veteran team members were not to be outdone, however. Amanda Shaw and Jonathan Machemehl stepped out of their usual Speech and Debate events and entered into the world of Interpretation events. Lucky for the team they did, as both made finals in their Interp events, with Shaw taking 3rd place in Poetry.
Coach CJ Odam was glad to have an old friend of the program return for the weekend as Penni Anderson helped chaperone and spur the students to victory.
The team now turns its attention to the Spring, as January sees trips to Katy and El Campo before heading into District competitions for the National Forensics League and the UIL.
