The Becker Speech Team (a.k.a the Talking Bulldogs) had a great showing for their season opener last weekend, with several students placing in their respective categories at the meet in Duluth.

Austin C. took second place in poetry. Alyssa O. took third in creative expression. And Arleigh P. took sixth in informative speaking. Nick R. and Sam R. both claimed honorable mentions in prose and discussion respectively. 

The season opening at Duluth marked the first in-person meet for the team since March of 2020 and students were excited to be back in the middle of the action. 

“Having our first in-person tournament in two years was really exciting, and there was definitely a lot of extra energy from all the other competitors,” stated Austin C.

His teammate Nick R. agreed, stating, “I was super thrilled, and also super nervous, to get back into speech fully in-person. It was something we had dreamed of doing for two years.”

Masks are still required for all students attending meets, except for while performing. Other precautions such as maintaining social distancing and limiting time spent at the tournament are also in place. 

This weekend, the Talking Bulldogs are heading to East Ridge. See results in next week’s edition of the Patriot.