Although they advanced to the final rounds, speech team did not advance to the state tournaments on Feb. 13.

Senior Robert Bradley and junior Maxwell Smith advanced to finals. Bradley competed in dramatic interpretation and professional reading. Smith performed in extemporary speaking.

The team needed to place third in any of the events to advance to state, but the closest they came to it was in professional reading where Bradley placed fourth.

“It hurts a little bit, it took a lot of work but ultimately I’m satisfied. I learned a lot this season and I feel like I made some improvements,” Smith said.

Although speech team did not advance, they didn’t see it as a defeat.

“I told them on the bus that it’s not a loss, it’s just how the cards fall. I’m proud of how hard they worked and I’m proud of how well they supported each other,” coach Paul Lichy said.

The competition was difficult for Smith and Bradley.

“It was very difficult. Our sectionals is basically as difficult, or more even difficult, than state. It’s extremely difficult that’s why the competition is so great and it’s such an amazing learning experience,” Smith said.