WeGo Speech team hosted their first Novice Invitational of the season on Nov. 21.

As a Novice Invitational, only new students participated.

Junior Maggie Clancy placed second in a three-way tie for dramatic interpretation. Sophomore Mike Sawicki placed sixth in extemporaneous speaking.

“The captains, Jeana (Brown) and RJ (Bradley), do such great jobs on keeping everything in order, and they ease everyone’s nerves before we start performing,” Sawicki said.

Sophomores Grace Vanco and Kate Bove placed fifth in a two-way tie with Downers Grove North for humorous duet acting.

“I lose myself in performance and in my love for performing. And before I know it, it’s over. It’s a great feeling knowing that you can do what you love, while making others happy,” Bove said.

Freshman Elijah Clemente placed sixth for original oratory. Junior Jessica Garcia placed second in prose reading.

No team trophies were given because it was a Novice tournament.

Competitors can choose from 14 different events.

“I think the philosophy is that if you work and push yourself to be a champion, you are a champion,” speech team coach Paul Lichy said.

Speech team has 13 to 14 tournaments a season.

“The biggest shout out I have to give is to our captains, RJ Bradley and Jeana Brown, and they’ve just been two of the best captains that we’ve had. And they are both just incredible.” Lichy said.

The next speech varsity tournament will be Saturday in Elk Grove.