CHSAA 3A Speech and Debate state tournament held at Niwot High

Close to 200 speech and debate competitors gathered on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28, for the CHSAA 3A Speech and Debate State Tournament. Fourteen events were slated to take place over the span of the event, with a champion named in each event and an overall school champion taking an ultimate prize.

Schools from as far away as Steamboat Springs and the state's other mountain regions competed against local teams. Niwot's team, coached by Niwot High School alumnus Evan Clark, competed with 11 members. Events were judged by coaches and the speech and debate staff at several schools, as well as experienced college competitors from CU Boulder.

"This is the first year we've had it at this facility, and we're glad to showcase Niwot High School since it's been updated," said Brad Hansen, the event's organizer and the coach for Alexander Dawson High School. "It's a glorious facility."

The event was sponsored by the Colorado High School Sports and Activities Association (CHSAA) which covers a range of high school activities outside of the sports for which it is often known.

Rashaan Davis, Assistant Commissioner at CHSSA, said, "Today is a great opportunity for us to support the best 3A state speech and debate competitors. I love the opportunity for students to participate here. Our office is all about access and opportunities for kids for all talents and passions."

One of the competitors from Niwot High School was Anika Nagpal, a senior and an International Baccalaureate student who hopes to major in computer science and business next year. Nagpal competed in both creative storytelling and impromptu speaking. While awaiting the judges' decision, she said, "I feel like I'm going well. I made the final round for creative storytelling and myself and my teammates are waiting for the results of the other competitions."

Event results

By the end of the competition, Niwot's team's competitiveness and preparation paid off. The team placed fifth in the overall division, coming in behind Eagle Valley High School (1) University Schools (2) Resurrection Christian School (3) and Battle Mountain High School (4).

The team also brought home its share of individual wins. Nagpal took second in the creative storytelling category, Chole Manning took fourth place in the original oratory category, and Josephine Briggs took fourth and Nagpul fifth in impromptu speaking.

Full results can be found at https://postings.speechwire.com/r-tournament.php?tournid=14035.