HURON — Members of the Huron High School Speech and Debate team traveled to Watertown on Saturday, Oct. 28, to compete in the annual Pumpkinstakes tournament. 

“We started our season as soon as the school year began so that we could be prepared for these first few tournaments,” said assistant coach Ben Halbkat. “These first few tournaments are great experience for all of our team members, especially those who just joined this year.” 

The team had a successful showing at the tournament with several making final rounds and receiving awards.  Samantha Swanson and Mylie Byrd placed third in Varsity Duo Interp, Isabella Schafer placed third in Novice Dramatic Interp, Khunnaphut Muepae placed fourth in Novice Non-Original Oratory, and Lily Halter placed third in Poetry. 

“Our students were so excited to make finals and get on stage to show just how much hard work they put into their pieces,” Halbkat said. “We as coaches are especially impressed with Chi (Khunnaphut), who is not a native English speaker and has only been seriously working on the language for the past six months. The dedication from all of our team members is truly wonderful and we have high hopes for the season to come.” 

The Huron Speech and Debate team will travel to Aberdeen Nov. 3-4 to compete in the Golden Eagle Cup Tournament.