Bulldogs Place at State Forensics

Golden Plains High School took 12 students in 14 events to the State Champs Forensics Meet in McPherson on May. 2. This was the largest group of Bulldogs to ever compete in state champs. It was a long day of competition and one of the largest attended state competitions in recent years with 46 school and 329 competitors at the meet. Out of these 46 teams, Golden Plains High School placed eighth overall.

There were 3 IDA (Kelby Buehler and Cristian Garcia, Tannor Todd and Tanner Black, Katie Carter and Addy Wessel) 3 Poetry (Kadalen Unrein, Tanner Black, Takoda Cline) 3 Duet Acting (Addy Wessel and Brielle Karnes, Janessa Leija and Dylan Wark, Katie Carter and Kelby Buehler) 2 Serious Solo (Brandon Karnes, Brielle Karnes) 2 Humorous Solo (Katie Carter, Addy Wessel) and 1 Extemporaneous (Takoda Cline).

“Due to the size and new rules and regulations we had many successes, setbacks, and delays,” said Coach Robynn Wessel. “I am so proud of our team’s perseverance through it all. Each event found individual success throughout the preliminary rounds, but timing issues and challenging competition kept many from advancing into semi-finals.”

Addy Wessel and Katie Carter went into finals in 2nd place in IDA with amazing rankings all day long, but draw events and judges are unpredictable. Their final placing was 5th in the state, which is an amazing feat with almost 50 competitors in their championship event. Addy Wessel also advanced to finals in her serious solo. All day she had been tied for first with 2 other competitors. During finals round they finally came head to head. Addy finished 3rd in the state in humorous solo!! “As always, I am so proud of all of our new and veteran students and parents,” added Wessel.

Takoda Cline made semi-finals in Extemp and placed 11th in the state! “This was an amazing feat since she only tried Extemp at one meet before qualifying for state champs,” said Coach Wessel. Freshman Brandon Karnes had a fantastic semi-finals round against veteran competition and came so close to making finals. He finished 8th in the state in serious solo. “Thank you to everyone for all your support this year,” continued Wessel. “We had a fantastic year once again and will be adding more KSHSAA medalists to the wall of fame!”