Above, the Saints speech team fared well at Saturday's Mankato East Fiesta Invitational. Some of the team gathered for a picture afterwards including: (l to r), Ryan Ranft, Maya Winsell, David Marlow, Wesley Toupence, and Molli Weber. Not pictured are Liliana Hughes and Courtlynn Spessard.
The Saints’ David Marlow (Creative Expression) and Liliana Hughes (Storytelling) took home individual first-place finishes while Wesley Toupence (Humorous) placed eighth overall at Saturday’s (Feb. 25) meet.
Other Saints competing at Mankato East included Ryan Ranft (Drama), Molli Weber & Courtlynn Spessard (Duo), and Maya Winsell (Poetry).
“Our captains are really pulling out all the stops this year,” Saints Coach Erika Carlson said. “We’ve had quite a few new competitors on the team, and the senior captains, David Marlow and Liliana Hughes, have been doing their best to make sure they are feeling comfortable and supported at tournaments. I’m proud of all of our competitors, and I encourage families and students to come watch our awesome team shine!”
The Saints’ speakers return to action this Saturday when they head to Shakopee for the annual Saber Speech Invitational.
Previous season results
This season has been a strong one for Marlow as the senior standout, who placed fourth at state in 2022, has placed first at the Mankato Loyola Crusader Invitational and the Mankato West Scarlet Invitational in Creative Expression and placed third at the always-tough Prior Lake Invitational.
Hughes, a junior and also a state participant in 2022, placed second in Storytelling at the Mankato West Scarlet Invitational as did senior teammate Eleanor Kennedy in Great Speeches.
Other Saints’ place winners so far this season came in the Novice division at Mankato West where Wesley Toupence placed second in Humorous and Ruby Sletta placed fourth in Poetry.