Forensics Team Takes Second in State Meet

The Whitefish Bay Forensics team added an exclamation point to the end of its record-breaking season this weekend with a 2nd place finish at the Wisconsin Forensic Coaches' Association State Tournament.

The team finished with a record 243 points in a field of 1,000 competitors and 70 schools from across the state. Cedarburg won the tournament with 258 points. Thirteen Whitefish Bay entries made it to semifinals, and eight of those made it to finals – also a team record.

“Our team built upon the success of prior years and continued a tradition of being professional, respectful, and supportive of each other and our competition,” coach Shawn Matson said. “I can count no less than eight separate coaches who pulled me aside to remark on the kindness that our students have shown theirs, the quality of their performances, and the general passion that our kids have for this activity. And this happens all the time.”

Quinn Beightol became the first state champion in school history, winning all five rounds in the Group Discussion category, including a perfect 1-1-1 ranking in the preliminary rounds. Stella Mayerhoff also had perfect 1-1-1 preliminary competitions of the Solo Acting Serious category, eventually taking third place overall. Katie Plaster took 2^nd place in the Moments in History category. 

Other notable student accomplishments include:

• Erica Berndt and Kyra Fox, 5th Place, Duo
• Max Steele and Mariah Konrath, semifinalists, Duo
• Max Zhao, 6th Place, Four Minute
• Ben Ihde, 5th Place, Group Discussion
• Jacob Sevart, 6th Place, Group Discussion
• Mitchell Yurkowitz, semifinalist, Oral Interpretation of Literature
• Kait Howell, semifinalist, Oratory
• Natalee Kashou, 5th Place, Prose
• Linda Ste. Marie, semifinalist, Radio
• Sue Lim, semifinalist, Special Occasion Speaking
• Andrew Phillips, Connor Beem, Sophia Lemaitre, and Anna Linton were 1 point away from breaking to Semifinals.