Speech team third at state; von Rentzell is Class D1 champ in informative speaking

KEARNEY — The Osmond High School speech team traveled to Kearney on Friday, March 18, for the state speech meet and placed third in Class D1. Kenzie von Rentzell came home with the state championship in informative speaking; she also placed third in persuasive speaking.

Other results included Kaden Polt, placing third in humorous prose; Riley Wagner, sixth in serious prose, and Kaden and Riley, fourth in duet acting. Erin Wagner placed fifth in informative speaking, and the Oral Interpretation of Drama (OID) team of Kaden Polt, Riley Wagner, James Doyle, Erica Heiman and Erin Wagner took fourth place.

Speech Coach Leah Kuhl commented, “I couldn’t be more proud of this group of students. They have been battling against some of the toughest teams in the state and it’s rewarding to see their hard work pay off. I have a great group of seniors and have enjoyed coaching them these past four years. Kaden Polt and Riley Wagner began as freshmen, performing in duet acting and ended their senior speech season each placing in three events, which is a very challenging task.

“Kenzie von Rentzell began her freshman year competing in informative speaking,” Kuhl continued. “She has put in extensive time and effort in perfecting her speaking skills, resulting in a state championship in informative and a third place medal in persuasive speaking. These seniors will be greatly missed; they were instrumental in Osmond’s thirdplace finish as a team both in 2021 and this year.

“Although we’re losing three great seniors, we’re really excited about the future of our team with our younger students gaining valuable experience against the best performers in the state last week. With how we’ve performed, I feel really good about where our program is headed and I am excited to start planning for next season already,” Kuhl concluded.

In addition to Mrs. Kuhl, Patricia Marks was a volunteer assistant coach for the team.