Edison students win home competition

MILAN — Edison High School recently kicked off its speech and debate season with a huge win. Earlier this month, Edison team members won its first-ever first-place team sweepstakes trophy during their home tournament against a dozen teams from the Toledo and Cleveland competition districts. Schools that competed in Edison's home competition were St. Edward, Hathaway Brown, James F. Rhodes, Perrysburg, Chagrin Falls, Vermilion, Kenston, Olmsted Falls, Mentor, Laurel and Berea-Midpark. Another noteworthy fact: It was the first in-person competition Edison students have participated in since 2020, coach Mike Amstutz said. During the past two years with the pandemic, competitions have occurred virtually. "In-person tournaments are much more exciting and exhilarating for students," he said. "It really gets the creative juices flowing." Amstutz, in his 30th year leading Edison, said the 30 students competing this year are "becoming a very tight-knit group of creative, energetic, critical thinkers and performers." "This year's team is amazing," he said. "I couldn't be more proud." Edison has traditionally hosted the first tournament of the Cleveland District each season, Amstutz said. He explained how Edison's team sweepstakes trophy win works. "At every tournament, there are four debate categories and nine speech categories that compete," Amstutz said. "The top performer in each debate and speech category from each competing school receives points for their performances. "These are tallied at the end of the tournament, and the top six teams that have accumulated the most points receive a team trophy for the school. Edison has placed in the top six multiple times over the years, but never first place. We were thrilled to receive the trophy at our home tournament. To earn a single bid at a tournament for us is a huge accomplishment, but at the home tournament, Edison students earned six bids. "That is incredible," Amstutz continued. "As the team continues to grow and mature, I am confident that Edison will be a real powerhouse in the world of forensic competition this season. "We are also blessed to have an administration that supports this program enthusiastically," Amstutz said. "That, plus some very talented and dedicated competitors, translates into a season to remember." Results Edison students who posted major wins and will advance to the state tournament include: • Noah Proctor and Sara Gates, first place in policy debate; • Ilah Reynolds, first place in humorous interpretation; • Breanna Leimbach, first place in program of oral interpretation; • Jeff Esser and Liza Gornek, second place in policy debate; • Navea Yamanouchi, second place in declamation; • Rory Conrad, second place in program of oral interpretation; • Brienna Marcy and Lily Kreglow, third place in public forum debate. "When a student earns four bids in one season, they receive an automatic invitation to compete at the state tournament," Amstutz said. These Edison students also received trophies/ribbons at the school's home tournament: • George Rhodes and Addyson Puraty, second place tie in international extemporaneous speaking; • Ingrid Berckmueller, third place in program of oral interpretation; • Rory Conrad, third place in dramatic interpretation; • Avery McIntyre, fourth place in Congressional debate; • Kourtney Balde, fourth place in program of oral interpretation; • Jaylah Weaver, fifth place in Congressional debate; • Lizzie Campbell, sixth place in Congressional debate; • Ethan Moore, seventh place in declamation. _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood