PHS forensics starts season with second

The Phillipsburg forensics team kicked off the season with a second place finish at the Republic County High School tournament on Saturday, January 31. Thirteen schools competed with Clay Center winning the tournament and Smith Center placed third.

The Panthers advanced 12 entries to finals. The duet of Skyla Russell and Jhett Johnson placed second and qualified for state. Johnson also placed third in humorous solo, and Russell placed sixth in informative, and 6th in IDA with Autumn Hueneke.

The IDA team of Sam Baker and William Jessup placed third. Also placing third was Shae Baker in the event of impromptu. Shae Baker brought home a fourth place medal in the event of oration.

Phillipsburg medaled three entries in the event of extemporaneous speaking: Carter Bogart placed third, Paige Ehm placed fifth, and Carter Grote placed sixth. Also placing sixth was the duet acting pair of Hannah Umbarger and Kadence Grote. Autumn Hueneke placed sixth in serious solo.

“Placing second as a team for the first meet of the season is a great starting point for this team. I’m proud of the progress we made today, and I’m looking forward to seeing how far this team goes,” Coach Kim Pakkebier said.

The PHS forensics team will compete in Norton on February 14th for their next tournament.