Kentucky Forensics Dream Team Listings

[KY_Extemper]

Figure this board needs a little game to play so I'll pose a question. Say your going to the grand national states tournament (all 50 states or so competing as teams) and you can organize a roster with the greatest Kentucky forensicators in history. You can have three people entered per event and they can do no more than two events. What would be your list and why would you have chosen those people? Have fun!

[KY_Extemper]

Clarifications:

A)You MUST justify your selections (why you picked them and they can't just be "b/c they are good" hehe)

B)THESE EVENTS NEED TO BE FILLED:
*Broadcasting
*Congress
*Declamation
*Dramatic Interpretation
*Duo Interpretation
*Extemporaneous Speaking
*Humorous Interpretation
*Impromptu Speaking
*Improvisational Duo
*Lincoln-Douglas Debate
*Original Oratory
*Poetry
*Prose
*Solo Acting
*Storytelling

Have fun and let the games begin about who can craft the best KY forensics dream team!

I am SOOO in.

[ria]

ooo! ooo! pick me, pick me!

[ThatKid]

You just want to see your name on the rosters don't ya Logan? :)

DUO IMPROV: Zeke Goggin/his partner (2003 KHSSL Champs)
IMPROMPTU: Joel Perry (even though I swear I could beat her)
EXTEMP: that guy from Btlhhm that was the first kid to go to nationals from our school....oh shoot... Rebekah knows who he is! Oh well. Alternate = Logan :)
POETRY/PROSE/DI/SOLO: does anyone really watch these events?
DUO INTERP: Jared Z/Cole Downs (2003 KHSSL Champs) or Patel and his partner
STORYTELLING: never seen anyone besides Rach do it....sooooo Rachel!
HI: Kim H/Russ W/Joel/Rodrick
O.O: Kelly Langan
Broadcasting: that dude that looks like Wolverine (this year)

[ria]

but matt, you left yourself out!
you've only seen rachel's story? huh. i'm gonna have to make you watch mine.

[sweetkimmi1]

Okay i had a tough time making some decisions, b/c i am indecisive! BUT I actually researced and tried to make the best choices!

Broadcasting:
1. Chris Brasfield - 2 state championships
2. Lindsay Maurer - State champion
3. Katie Burcham - State finalist
Alt. Jon Brasfield - 2 state championships, Courtney Otto, but NEVER this kid with a jewish nose...oh what is his name...umh, oh that's right it is Jordan Matt...NO! Matt Jordan.

Congress:

Justin Cress - I am SOOO sorry I forgot you!! I love you Justin!
Harrison Jackson - has experience at national competitions
Josh Brown - experience at nats and state champ
Alt. Joel Meister - state champ
Alt. Chad Reese -soon to be state champ

DI:
1. Havanah Hagans - Amazing performer, and you can depend on her.
2. Nathon Hodson - 2 state champion
3. Trashnega Nobrega - NFL finalist
Alt. Nicole Estenfelder - state finalist
Alt. Maggie Waid - State champion

Dec:
1. Mauricus Lofton - National Champion
2. Mason Scisco - National finalist
3. Jeremy Bacelieri - Semi at Nats
Alt. Katy Ducker - b/c she is my pretend lil

Duo Interp:
1. Nathon Hodson/Candace Perry - 2 state champions
2. Katie Burcham/Katey Blood - State champion and semi at nats
3. Cole Downs/Jared Zaratonello - state champion
Alt. Maggie Waid and Richie Foy

Extemp:
1.Logan Scisco
2. Courtney Otto
3. Lexi Menish
Alt. Harrison Jackson, Ms. Hyatt, Chad Reese, Joelle Perry (already in Impromptu and LD)
(I don't know why I picked them, i don't do extemp!)

HI
1. Chad Sapp
2. Corey Alderdice
3. Roderick Justice
Alt. Ben Jenkins, Joel Smith, Russ Wallace, Kim Hoffmeister, Melissa Cavner, and Addie Erwin

Impromptu:
1. Lexi Menish
2. Matt Jordan
3. Joelle Perry
Alt. Nate Strieter, Megan Handshoe, Chad Reese

Improv Duo:
1. Preston Copley/Ryan Kleier - state champs
2. Brittany Whalen/Melissa Cavner - amazing!!
3. Zeke Goggin/ and Zach Hart
Alt.

LD
Joelle Perry
Logan Scisco
Nate Strieter
Alt. Sara Straub

OO
1. Geoffrey Barton - b/c he was awesome! and danville should be soo proud!
2. Sara Newton - NFL finalist
3. Lindsay Maurer - my lil mauw wow!
Alt. Kelly from B-hem, Joel Meister, Dan Robinson, Richie Foy

Poetry:
1. Dan Robinson - He changed Poetry! He made it have more freedom! SOMEONE THANK HIM!!
2. Caitlin Drance - She put heart and soul in to her piece
3. Jeremy Bacelieri - Nats semi or quarter...sorry can't remember.
Alt. Mauricus Lofton, Ashley Litsey

Prose:
1. Ashley Litsey - Runner-up at Emory! WOO way to represent!
2. Amber Estes - 2 state champion
3. Matt Preston - state champion
Alt. Jared Zaratonello

Solo:
1. Havanah Hagans - Her performances leave you speechless.
2. Whitney Sallee - A performer that has it all.
3. Stella Hagans
Alt. Maggie Waid, Caitlin Drance

Storytelling
1. Chris Brasfield
2. Nicole Estenfelder
3. Chad Sapp
Alt. Melissa Cavner, Rachel

Okay you guys, that is what I have! I may change it. But I worked hard on it, so don't make fun of me! Oh and Aaron Jenkins "jenx" wants me to say that this is his dream team too. So

BY: Kim Hoffmeister & Aaron "Jenx" Jenkins

[Rad Russ]

Hey now Kim...I was a state champion too...and I'm listed as an alternate? I notice Cole and Jarrod made your cut.....

I detect alot of Boone bias on Kim's list :D

[sweetkimmi1]

Of course I am bias b/c I know their ability and how hard they work at it. But i researched on that list okay! That is flawless. So if you think you can make a better one...bring it! 8)

[iedotorg]

Kimmi....you have way too much free time on your hands! However, I've gotta agree with most of your decisions.

Hey, why no love for Corey Alderdice on the HI squad? The one and only Corey Alderdice who beat both Joel Smith and Roderick Justice on several occassions. My, my...how quickly we are forgotten.

Just kidding...or am I?

Look for me at the Bowling Green regionals this weekend...say hello to me, please.

Cheers.
Corey

[ThatKid]

Impromptu:
1. Lexi Menish
2. Matt Jordan
3. Joelle Perry


It's always been a dream of mine to be sandwiched between two beautiful women ;)

Thanks though, I'm flattered. I'll just see if I can live up to your expectations at State...

[vertigo_dx]

State! *sniff* I want to gooooooo. I've never gotten to try impromptu at state before. . .and. . . I guess this won't be my year.

OK. Thanks. I'm done now.
Oh, and wait. There's always KESDA :roll:

[Enziet]

matt considering how innocent and naive you are it constantly amazes me what dirty things come out of your mouth/fingers (typing at the keyboard)

[ThatKid]

I'm a sicko, what can I say?

Oh, Lasure would agree with Kim's choice of Caitlin Drance. Today he said "I wish I could just videotape her and show it to the kids and say 'okay, here's what you do. monkey see monkey do!'"

[sweetkimmi1]

Okay you guys, i revised my list...b/c i was reading your comments...and courtney! I am sooooooooooo sorry!!!!!!!!! I forgot you!!! and then i put Joelle on there three times! WOOPS! So I switched extemp and added on to broadcasting if you guys want to look at it. I put some humor into it! heh heh! :lol: Oh B-hem, we love your coach! you better becareful! we are gonna kidnap him! He is just sooo funny. Except i don't think he likes me. Only Jared and Russ will understand that comment. AHHHHHHHHH!

[BansheeSoccer13]

Okay, I don't have a complete list yet, but I seriously agree with most of Kim's choices, accept for the fact that she didn't put herself in HI or Prose?? Silly silly modest person!

I'll only write the events I know...to save you guys my random guessing!

HI:
Russ Wallace (state champ. See Russ, I'm showing the love. you rock!)
Kim! (you silly modest person you....)
I don't really have a third.
Impromtu:
Matt Jordan
Rebekah Allen (ya'll know she rocks)
Cortt. Otto (I know little about this event, but I hear she is the power!)
Okay, my mom is running me off for now. Below is the abridged quick version. No the full..I'll update it later! Okay, rock on and have fun!

Katlin is awsome, I'll say it straight up. She completely amazes me. So whatever ya'll wanna' stick her in, go for it. Probably Poetry and Solo. In story, I guess Chad (duh!!!), Chris Brass (though honestly I didn't care for his selection..but what can I say, he sold it like heck.), and Nichole (she's on western's team, I don't know her last name. She was state champ in story her senior year). Radio, all I really know to say is Chris Brass...he rocked. Oh, and that really cute girl who wins sometimes, I feel bad that I don't know her name, but she's always happy when she wins!

[Rad Russ]

Hey Corey...I hear ya! I always thought you tore it up, anyway.

--Russ

[sweetkimmi1]

It is Nicole Estenfelder...I love my nicole! She has always been a big sister to me! Her chris brass always fought for first place in story at state! I am sorry Corey, i think you were before my time! But I talked to ms. knuckles about you and she said that you are amazing! What school did you go to in high school? (sorry) But i am going to put you on the list.

[chris_brasfield]

Wow, Corey showed me this thread and I am honored that some people actually remember me...I feel special. Thanks...and this is a cool site, didn't know it existed....neato

chrisb

[sweetkimmi1]

Whoa! this crazy, soon we are going to have all the wku folks. Tell Courtney I would put him on Poetry...BUT he is from indiana. Which is hoosier land so that is okay! WOOO go IU!!!!!!!! Oh, I am going to get shot for saying that.

[KY_Extemper]

Interesting lists so far. I figure I might as well throw my own out there for everyone's enjoyment so they can see how I rated everyone. None of these are in any particular order by the way.

Broadcasting:
*Andy Rose
*Jon Brasfield
*Chris Brasfield
Alts.-Lindsey Maurer and Jeff Wisman

This was a pretty clear-cut category for me. First of all, Andy Rose won THREE CONSECUTIVE Broadcasting championships at KHSSL State a feat that we'll probably never get to see again. He's also now currently working for a news station out in Louisville so his Broadcasting spanned outside of just forensics so props to him. The Brasfield brothers I'd want on my team because of their consistency. Both of them won KHSSL State Broadcasting championships two years in a row respectively and I also had Jon as a coach and without him I wouldn't have won some tournaments that I have this year. Maurer is an alternate because she is very consistent and won KHSSL last year and Wisman from Dunbar (who was also KHSSL State Champ in OO in 2001) makes the cut because he twice finaled at KHSSL State in Broadcasting and won quite a few of the preliminary tournaments I attended through my junior years. Quite an assett to Dunbar's squad.

Congress:
*Justin Cress
*Simon Willet
*Harrison Jackson
Alts.-Chad Reese, Travis Cooper, and Joel Meister

If I ever had to walk down on a backalley with some Congress backup these are the top three I would choose. I was lucky enough to get to compete against all three of these guys over the course of my career and they were heavily talented. I especially remember Jackson & Willet duking it out in the Senate at NFL my freshman year and it was quite entertaining to watch. I feel that Cress should've won a KHSSL State title two years ago (that he lost in a close race with Meister) but people vote as they desire. Willet, being the last KY native to final at NFL Congress (2001), gets on easy and Jackson & Cress round out the field with their experience. Nevertheless, Chad Reese, Travis Cooper, and Joel Meister (KHSSL Champ in 2002) are also people I'd want as alternates b/c of their level of knowledge and b/c Reese & Cooper have both made NFL Semi-Finals in Congress before.

Declamation
*Mauricus Lofton
*Mason Scisco
*Lexi Menish's brother (sorry can't remember name)
Alt.-Julia Moran, Joel Meister

Okay, call me bias in this category but Danville High School has had a good history of Declamation's spanning from CFL Districts into CFL Nationals and so they occupy two of my top picks and both alternate positions. Mauricus Lofton gets the absolute number one pick for crushing CFL last year with his MLK speech (1-1-1-1-3 in Nat. Finals aint bad baby) and he could probably win it two more years if there wasn't a limit. My brother, Mason, gets the second slot for finishing 6th last year at CFL Nationals and for winning Declamation consistently this year. Lexi's brother (whom I can't remember his name and I do apologize) gets my last spot b/c he also made CFL Nationals years ago and placed 6th. Alternates are Julia Moran (Semi-Finalist at 2000 CFL Nats) and Joel Meister (Octo-Finalist at 2001 CFL Nats and numerous tourney winner) b/c you have to have consistency in this category somewhere!

Dramatic Interpretation:
*Havannah Hagans
*Nathan Hodson
*Trashnega Nobrega
Alts.-Loretta Iwu, Maggie Waid

While I've never seen a full round of DI in my life I can follow the results from afar. Hagans has an outstanding record in whatever events she does and I still remember her getting Knott County Central within 68 points of Rowan at KESDA two years ago with wins in all of her categories (albeit I forget all of them). She is a consistent performer and is reverred by many on the circuit as a force to be reckoned with so she'd be my top pick. Nathan Hodson makes the list for having won two KHSSL State Championships and this won't be the only time he appears on my list. This guy was a great performer and anyone would be dumb not to consider him. Finally, Trashnega Nobrega gets the nod for being an NFL Finalist in DI which is very difficult in its own right out of nearly 200 competitors. Yay! Alternates would be Loretta Iwu from Rowan who made Octos & Quarters at NFL the past two years in DI and Maggie Waid who was the 2003 KHSSL State Champion. Nuff said there.

Duo Interpretation:
*Nathan Hodson & Candice Perry
*Cole Downs & Jared Zarantonello
*Paul Martin & Joseph Payton
Alt.-Michelle Garland & Ross Bolen

Ah, the good old duo interp category. Top pick here went to Nathan Hodson & Candice Perry for winning KHSSL State two years in a row (2001 & 2002). To win state once is quite a feat but to win it twice, especially in an interp category which has a tendency to get subjective, is supremely awesome. Cole Downs & Jared Zarantonello get a spot b/c I loved "Directing Dubin" (saw it performed in 2002 CFL Nats in semis before they used it last year) and they won state with it which is all golden as well as breaking at CFL Nats last year. Last slot would go to Paul Martin & Joseph Payton who years ago competed for Danville and were just the second team/person/whatever EVER to win both KESDA & KHSSL within the same year. Alternate slot would go to the 1984 & 1985 Murray duo team of Michelle Garland & Ross Bolen that won two KHSSL State titles. Oh c'mon you have to bring in some oldies for backup! :)

Extemporaneous Speaking:
*Tim Black
*Logan Scisco
*Ryan Martin
Alts.-Lexi Menish, Kelli Trent, Greg Scott, Nicole Hawk, Courtney Otto, Jessi Menish, and Austin Lim

Alright the category I know most about! AMEN! This was a pretty tough selection process and I had to go by preference but anyone I listed above (and probably then some) were worthy to be the top three. I picked Tim Black, the 1987 USX Champion at NFL Nats, from Calloway County (also won KHSSL Extemp title & Broadcasting title in the same year). He's the last Kentuckian I believe to win a main event at NFL Nats. I had to be selfish and put myself on there for making two national finals at CFL & NFL Nats and then winning the NFL USX Final round along with other national stuff that I'm sure everyone already knows about (sorry to brag I don't want to!!!!). I remember when I was up there and they were calling off people that I wanted to get that USX title like Tim Black did in 1987 but I guess that'll have to wait. Ryan Martin was my last pick b/c although I never saw this guy speak I heard a heckuva lot about him my freshman year and his accomplishments in 2000 (5th at CFL Nats and quarters in USX at NFL w/KESDA, CFL, NFL, and KHSSL State titles). Lexi (4th at 2000 CFL Nats), Trent (winner of Glenbrooks in 2001 & Octos in IX at 2002 NFL Nats), Scott (2000 IX Semi-Finalist at NFL), Hawk (2002 KHSSL State Champ, CFL Octo-Finalist in 2002)--that win at KHSSL in 2002 also made me become a 100% better extemper :), Otto (8th place in USX at 2003 NFL Nats & 2003 CFL Octo-Finalist), Jessi (Quarter-Finalist at CFL in 2002 and Quarters in USX in 2002 at NFL), and Lim (14th in IX at NFL last year) all have claims to the top spot and would be alternates. Whew, glad that's done.

Humorous Interpretation:
*Roderick Justice
*Chad Sapp
*Laura Franzini
Alts.-Kim Hoffmeister, Ben Jenkins, Joel Smith, Andy Vaughn

We all have our biases in this category b/c let's face it Humorous Interp is one of the best events ever created and the best interp (outside of duo) that I enjoy most. First pick is definetly Roderick Justice from Pike Co. Central. I mean, geez, this guy had it all. He dominated KY in interp for what seemed like forever and everytime I think of interp he's the first person that just pops into my mind. His 5th place CFL placing in Dramatic Performance in 2001 and Quarter-Final finish in HI that same year warrants his spot on the list (w/a KHSSL State title in 1999). Chad Sapp is another fine competitor who worked very hard to get where he was and got 7th at CFL Nats in DP as well as 9th at NFL Nats in HI. This is another competitor you just can't pass on. Last slot went to Laura Franzini who I enjoyed watching perform when I did get a chance to see HI. Her octo-final & quarter-final placings at NFL in 2001 & 2002 warrant this but she's just a fine performer and I always enjoyed what she did. Alternate slots are a fight between Kim Hoffmeister, Ben Jenkins (2001 KHSSL Champ), Joel Smith (2000 KHSSL Champ), and Andy Vaughn (1990 & 1991 KHSSL Champ). Sorry I said I had to include the oldies and two state titles is enough of a prerequisite for me, lol.

Impromptu Speaking:
*Lexi Menish
*Megan Handshoe
*Michael Haney
Alt.-Chad Reese, Cortney Crawford, Joelle Perry, Nicole Hawk

Good old B.S.-fest right here but you've GOTTA, GOTTA, GOTTA, GOTTA, GOTTA have Lexi Menish on there for Impromptu. If not, YOU HAVE NO SOUL! This girl was the total package and exemplified what Impromptu was all about. 2001 NFL FREAKIN' NATIONAL CHAMPION FOR GOODNESS SAKES (and I had the privilege of watching that round and she was DA BOMB DIGGIDY!). Additionally, she placed 4th at NFL in Impromptu the previous year. She also won 2000 KHSSL State and exemplifies my example of a rare KHSSL-semi screwover by not breaking the next year but she proved 'em wrong, oh boy did she prove them wrong. Sorry I have a soft spot for her in this event so kill me. Megan Handshoe gets my second slot b/c it's hard enough to win Impromptu with its wild objects consistently but this fine lady manages to get it done every single time. KESDA & KHSSL Champion last year WATCH OUT for her at both again b/c she'll be gunning for ya! Finally, Michael Haney (1992 & 1993 KHSSL Champion) rounds out my list b/c if he's good enough to win two state titles I'll put him up there. Alternates are the consistent and fine performers out Chad Reese, Cortney Crawford (who made semi-finals at 2001 NFL Nats), Joelle Perry, and Nicole Hawk (who made quarters at 2002 NFL Nats and dropped after 1-1-1 b/c she got a 3 :( ).

Improv Duo:
*Zeke Goggin & Zach Hart
*Geoffrey Barton & Matt Gordon
*Preston Copley & Ryan Kleier
Alt-NONE

If I couldn't secure these teams then I'd just be plain screwed. Goggin & Hart get the first nod b/c of their winning KHSSL State last year (and it has YET to appear on the KHSSL website...so if anyone has connections get on it, please!). Geoffrey Barton & Matt Gordon were a fine team of great, funny, and wild guys who took KESDA in 2001 and blew away the competition with the "Blair Ditch Project." Oh, those were the days. Finally, Preston Copley & Ryan Kleier get my last pick for winning KHSSL in 2002 and what else can ya say about that?

Original Oratory:
*Geoffrey Barton
*Sarah Newton
*Joel Meister
Alt.-Lindsay Maurer

OO is probably one of the funnest events to watch (well I think so) and blends creativity, speaking, etc. Probably the most educational event out there except for debate and extemp. Geoffrey Barton definetly gets the top nod because he won CFL Nationals in OO back in 2000 and won a KHSSL Championship in 1999 (finishing second in 2000). Sarah Newton gets the second nod for consistently making NFL Nationals from her sophmore-senior years and for battling back last year after being 4th heading into finals to get the second slot. Then, she retooled herself and got 6th in OO at NFL Nationals (I think she should've been higher) and after being on three trips with her there I'd be lieing if I said a part of me wasn't proud to see her performing. Joel Meister gets the final nod for making NFL Octo-finals in 2002 & 2003 and then getting to quarters last year in OO. I always found his speeches entertaining and insightful regardless of what others thought at certain times. The alternate would be Lindsey Maurer because she's a very consistent force in this event and she won the 2003 KHSSL State Championship in it. This could be her year to do something at nationals so don't be surprised.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate:
*Joelle Perry
*Catlin Bogard
*Logan Scisco
Alt.-Sara Straub, Nate Streiter

While LD in KY isn't nationally recognized and doesn't receive many awards it is still an event (even if it is only held regularly at KHSSL State and CFL & NFL National qualifiers). My first pick would be Joelle Perry who was one of the best KY debaters I've ever seen and won KHSSL Novice Debate's State title in 2001, made the finals of Varsity in 2002 where she finished second, and won KHSSL Varsity last year without dropping a single ballot. She also made the runoff round last year at NFL Nats to finally put a KY person into the public view in the debate community. Catlin Bogard was also a good debater here in KY that represented us all at NFL in 2001 & 2002 and proved himself a worthy competitor. His debates with Joelle (esp. at NFL Districts in 2002) I still hear about from some people today. I put myself as the last debater just b/c I won Novice at KHSSL last year w/o dropping a ballot and came close to qualifying for NFL Nats. Nate Streiter & Sara Straub round out my alternates because they were/are skilled in debating and I'd want them to back up the team in this category.

Poetry:
*Dan Robinson
*Jeremy BNacelieri
*Shae Stuart
Alt.-Mauricus Lofton, Ashley Litsey, Mitch Massaro

Kim pretty much said what I wanted to say for this category. Robinson is heralded as someone who revolutionized Poetry and gave it greater freedom. Bacelieri made quarters I believe last year in Poetry (OI is the correct category but whatever) and has shown himself worthy. I put Shae Stuart who was the KHSSL State Champion in 1998 b/c from what I gather she was a strong competitor and contributed well to this category. Lofton, Litsey, and Massaro are all the alternates for their consistency in this category as well as my personal preference towards them.

Prose:
*Ashley Litsey
*Amber Estes
*Matt Preston
Alt.-NONE

Litsey gets the top nod in this category for being the runner-up at the Barkley Forum this year. That's definetly a nice way to put us as a state on the board in the nation's eyes when it comes to Oral Interpretation or Prose/Poetry mixtures. Amber Estes gets another nod as being the 2000 & 2001 KHSSL State Champion and Matt Preston gets the last mention for being KHSSL Champion last year. Sorry, I don't know much about the category so take it with a grain of salt but whatever happens.

Solo Acting:
*Havannah Hagans
*Julia Moran
*Whitney Sallee
Alt-NONE

If I'm going into Solo Acting these are the people that I want. Havannah Hagans as I mentioned before is a fine performer and as Kim said she does leave you speechless. Julia Moran I'd put on my list b/c while she didn't win a Solo championship at KHSSL (although she did final there in 2002) she is a fine actress and she CAN get you involved in a piece so she'd have a great shot at doing well on my team. Last pick I'd take Whitney Sallee who won KHSSL last year and who is a very well-rounded performer from the information I have gathered.

Storytelling:
*Chris Brasfield
*Chad Sapp
*Matt Gordon
Alt.-Nicole Estenfelder

I always enjoy the Storytelling category...quite a fun time indeed. Chris Brasfield would be my first pick b/c he won KHSSL State titles in 2000 & 2002 and his Storytelling I believe he converted to an HI and made Octo-Finals at NFL with it in 2002. Great guy and he deserves to be in the field. Chad Sapp also deserves to be in the field for winning the KHSSL State title last year as well as winning most of the tournaments his senior year in this event. Finally, Matt Gordon a guy who I watched in two state finals in 2001 at KESDA & KHSSL and he finished second BOTH TIMES to DIFFERENT PEOPLE! Still, that kind of consistency you can't discount and I'd peg him on my slate for this event. However, Nicole Estenfelder would be a nice alternate having won KHSSL in 2001 and being very, very talented in her own right.

Well that's my list people. It is quite long and tiring but that's the answer to everyone wondering "well Logan, when are you going to post your list?" So there you have it! Now I'll go and rest my fingers. :)

[ThatKid]

A nice and well thought out list :)


"Directing Dubin" (saw it performed in 2002 CFL Nats in semis before they used it last year)

Dude, we must've been in the same room. They so deserved to win it all, don't you think?

[Spirit234]

okay so really i could tell you my opinions on this whole big list, but my only valid statements would be in Congress (not that I was ever good but I sure did watch a lot) so i'll just skip the crap.

1. Simon Willett-is in my opinion the best congress participant ever in kentucky... went to cfl nationals in congress 4 years in a row and nfl nationals 3 years in a row. He was an amazing speaker, but honestly he just loved the event. I remember Ms. Moore telling me about how in every national tournament Simon went to he would only speak for 2 minutes, and eventually she asked him why and he said he wanted to leave time for other people to ask him good questions... :) Everyone who ever saw Simon speak is better for it.
2. Harrison Jackson- Harrison had style and content. he was always fun to watch... there's no way he cannot fit in here.

The last spot would have to be a huge tie for me... Justin Cress did a lot of things for the Kentucky Congress and it's only this year that the remaining members of TACO have scattered breaking down an age old alliance. You definitely deserve a lot of credit if something as silly as that can survive for so long after you've graduated. Okay I know I'm partial to Scott County, but face it that's pretty much what Scott County's good at (Ms. Moore sent somebody to national's in Congress 18 years in a row up until she passed away). Josh Brown was without a doubt the smartest Congress kid. He was an alright speaker, but he wasn't anything too phenomenal, but somehow he managed to do some great things even without that. Josh was an awesome presiding officers and he bought into the game and the politics of Congress. He knew how to work a chamber in order to have things come out the way he wanted. He was manipulative, aggressive, and persuasive. :) Basically he embodied a politician, which is a good thing when the name of the game is Congress. :) Oh yes and he was a state champion and an NFL senate semifinalists on top of presiding at NFL nationals. The last one I can really talk about is little Mr. Chad Reese. Who up until NFL nationals last year swore he hated Congress after he did it at Dunbar. :) He even tried to give up his spot going in the house last year, what a nerd. He was a state finalist last year, and in problably his fourth Congress tournament ever (NFL Nationals) he semi finaled and was pretty close to breaking into finals. Chad is awesome and he's going to do so well for the rest of his career. Unfortunately he will not be congress champion at state :( Scott County didn't get registered as a debate school on time. He's an awesome speaker and a great presiding officer. And he only needs time to mature, last year was his first year of participating in speech at all and he already did wonderful. Chad's downfall is he'll rarely buy into the game of Congress. He'd rather keep his "honor" than vote for his friends/teammates. Which works for him now, and I hope it does all next year too. :) He's got the skill to make up for what he refuses to put in politically. The other two that I need to mention just from hearing their names so much are Katherine Gray and Nathan Taylor. I know very little about Katherine except that everyone used to say she was the best ever. And Nathan Taylor went to Nationals in Congress multiple times and the only other thing I honestly remember about him was Ms. Moore saying how he'd always get votes because girl's thought he was cute. :) haha i guess that's not really worth mentioning but I though I would anyway...

That's my ramble.

[ria]

i've though about this, and i don't see how we could come up w/the three best people in each event from the whole state. i mean, we can choose anyone in kentucky speech history, right? even if we just stick to recent years, say, the last four. if we're going by state champs, there's a different one almost every year for every event. kudos to those who can pull it off twice, i mean, i'd kill just to make it to story finals ever. but there have been so very many amazing speechies. and i'm sure there are some out there that we don't even know. this is a tough list to comprise.

[KY_Extemper]

Yeah Matt I think back on it and I think we did watch that round together. I know Jessi Menish and myself watched it together b/c we'd just gotten knocked out of Extemp. I think they did deserve to win it, I mean they had the audience practically in the palm of their hand. Unfortunately, though, I think they went over time which led ot their downfall. How sad :cry:

In response to Laura's list, I can't believe I forgot to put Josh Brown on my Congress list somewhere. Minor omission that needs to be forgiven.

Yes these lists are hard compile but that's what makes the debate so interesting as to who was left off what list, etc.

[ThatKid]

Yeah, we most likely did. I didn't know they went over time :( So good... so good...

Does anyone know the kid I'm talking about in radio? He's probably about 5'11, hair that looks like Wolverine's in the new XMen movies. Kinda large and usually got a big grin. I think he won first at AHS.

[sweetkimmi1]

Okay you guys, I was showing Justin Cress the site and this is what his list was...

(He only wanted to do the things he knew)

LD:
1. Douglass Mory
2. Joelle Perry
3. Logan Scisco

Congress:
1. Simon Willett
2. Justin Cress
3. Harrison Jackson

He wanted to mention that Logan, your congress selection is dead on.

Extemp:
1. Lexi Minish
2. Joelle Perry
3. Logan Scisco

Impromptu:
1. Lexi Minish
2. Joelle Perry
3. Logan Scisco

That is his list. He didn't want to do IE events.

Justin had a few comments while he was typing this:
Josh Brown, I love you to death, but simon, harrison, and I duked it out for so long, I had to choose the three of us... not trying to be too vein. You know it's all politics anyway. 8)

TACO 4 EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BoyWonder410: 4 . i dont wanna sign up for an account.

I think that is it.

I'm gonna start.

LD:
1. Joelle Perry - Excellent organization(a tribute to her school), superb refutation, and a great understanding of LD. Watching her in finals taught me alot.

2. Doug Moory - This guy won LD in kentucky when it was a real event. He did well on a national level, and almost won an at large bid to TOC. He taught me pretty much everything I know about debate in the context of about 4 days. Extremely good at taking policy terms and theories and applying them to LD(turns and threshold arguments.)

3. Adam Reeves - I've never seen this guy debate, but I'm going strictly off reputation. He beat Joelle to take the varsity state championship a couple of years ago, and last year he made quaters. So I mean the guy has to be good.

I'd also like to mention Logan Scisco....He last year was novice LD champion. And because I mentioned Logan I HAVE to mention Kathleen Burke..if you haven't heard about this girl..get ready. She's just a sophmore and she's already kicking butt in LD. She beat Logan in nat qualls last year. I've seen her and I think she's probably the best debater in kentucky, and I've experienced her wrath before in rounds. And because I'm really into SHAMELESS self-promotion(and because no one else did) I'm going to mention myself. I got to Novice Semi's last year with a 4-0 record(with wins over the other non advancing semi finalist) and got a 3-0 decision in quaters. I then dropped to Stacey Sands(bitter!!!!!!!!!!) And state was my first time ever debating...so yea!! I'm gonna be at state this year in varsity LD so you had freaking better watch out!!! YOU'LL REGRET NOT MENTIONING ME..YOU'LL FREAKING REGRET IT!!!!!

[ria]

...well, someone's had too much coffee...

[KY_Extemper]

Does anyone remember the stupid resolution at NFL Districts last year about letter of the law v. spirit of the law? It was awful but I can't say much for this years either but it's still better.

Haha, yeah I did unfortunately get 4th last year at NFL Quals b/c of a 2-1 decision. I forgot to say why my case best upheld justice in my conclusion but oh well, my fault and taught me a good lesson but hey it was just the second time I did LD...and with no coaching! LOL ...Anyway, that down to Joelle hurt in second round as basically had a draw and it went on judges preference but with hindsight being 20/20 I was glad I didn't qualify in LD b/c running all over GA State wouldn't have been very fun.

I'm still wondering if I should do Congress or Varsity LD at KHSSL.....any suggestions?

[iedotorg]

I'm totally digging this thread...it's so cool to see you all making some well-aruged and smart calls...me likey like.

For those of you who asked, I graduated from Graves in 2000. I got second to Joel at KHSSL that same year but I beat him at CFL and NFL...anyhoo...Joel's my number one buddy. I actually take greater pride in helping to coach Ben Jenkins to the title the next year.

The one thing I want to add to the list is Phllip Winninger in OO (Warren East).

[BoyWonder410]

Logan, you need to do LD. ALthought a slight conflict of interest, i'd help u if you need it... that just means I'll be coded against you at state though :)

[KY_Extemper]

Ah why is that? I have no problem with LD but Congress can be fun (although most of your performance is based outside of your control).

[BoyWonder410]

a number of reasons...
1. It would look better to your college of choice :wink: to win LD than it would be to win congress. LD is just a more reputable event
2. Experience in LD is more valuable than experience in congress, for all intents and purposes congress doesnt exist in college.
3. just cuz
4. you're better at LD than you are congress.
5. there is no... number 5
6. (no offense to any KY LD'ers you know this is true...) congress is more competitive than LD, u have a better chance at a state title in LD.
7. No, 6 and 1 dont contradict.
8. I said so.
9. See # 3

[sweetkimmi1]

Oh, Justin...I LUV YA!! You need to come back and make me laugh! Yeah Logan I agree with whatever Justin says...that can be #10. Kim says so!

Wait...where is Joel?? Where did he go? I miss him! I remember him judging me sophomore year, and I was soooooooo nervous b/c it was him, some kid, and me. I get up there and he just laughed and laughed! Oh god bless his soul. I think he was stuck in a tank of laughing gas before the round, but i do not care! He was one of my idols freshman year!

[Spirit234]

I think anybody who feels even remotely inclined to do Congress this year should... There's only two finalists returning from last year. Paul Mick who took 6th place from Graves and Rachel Jacobs who took 8th from Boone (okay I don't really know if they are, but they should be). Like I said unless there's some strange miracle Chad Reese who took 7th and has taken first all year isn't allowed to go. There's going to be a whole lot of random people in Congress that just wanted to get off an extra day of school so they entered (i can't say anything that was me too last year). You'll have Ellen Lyon, Nate Simon, Kelly Mason, and whoever Danville brings to compete with. But as for you Logan I think you'd win Congress with no problem, I guess it all depends on if your school gets 6 kids on the ballot, but in all reality it's not a bad idea. Plus Congress is tons of fun. :)

[BoyWonder410]

Look, I'm all about me some congress... great event.. clearly.. i did it for 3 years, i love it. Yes it's a fun event. In retrospect, i realize that I got nothing out of congress that is helping me now (in college forensics) I think for someone that is planning to 4n6 in college, LD is the way to go. Plus, I'd rather see LD get stronger over the next half a decade than I would congress. LD is just a better event.
OK, so without a response...
pull my 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 and kimmi's 10... 10 independent reasons to do LD @ KHSSL not Congress... plus, i dunno if u can do xtemp and LD both at any of the Nat'l tournies.. but if u can it's worth doing it for experience for nationals (thats my 11)

[vertigo_dx]

haha, sry it took me so long to post, but no hard feelings, kim :P

[sweetkimmi1]

Courtney, you are the one person that doesn't hate from the list. Thank you! I think this 'dream team list' was a bad idea. Everyone is pissed b/c they aren't on it. I am sorry, I didn't mean to make people upset or sad! Please don't take jenx and I's list the wrong way! We all have different opinions and forget things.

Nah its really an awesome idea..not only is it a game, but it is also a sort of history lesson in kentucky forensics..its a cool idea.

[sweetkimmi1]

See that is the positive way of thinking about it, others take it the wrong way. Logan was just trying to start chaos. Nice job! J/k, it was fun, but I felt bad b/c there are so many amazing people you want to put on there, but just three slots. They each have their good and bad qualities. Is anyone else going to make a list?

[vertigo_dx]

no, we're all too terrified now :P

[KY_Extemper]

I wasn't trying to start a fight or anything. Just figured it'd be a fun contest. No harm meant.

[ria]

nobody should take this thing personally, b/c like kim said, there's only three slots. to take all of the speechies in kentucky and get the top three in each event....good lord, people are simply going to be left out. and besides that, we can't possibly know all the speechies out there. i couldn't even begin to make a list simply b/c i don't know anyone from most of the events. there's probably a couple of uber-small schools that nobody's ever heard of, but they might very well have one or two amazing performers, and we just wouldn't know it. so people all need to loosen up. if it makes you so mad, make your own list and put yourself in every event, for goodness sake.

[katasincat87]

wow, i'm so glad i saw this. I don't really know anyone from the past, so half the people on these lists i've never heard of. Chad, your earlier post mad me laugh for about five min. You would definitely have been on my LD list... definitely, and i'm flattered that you have such faith in my debate skills. Thanks! As far as anything else.. i have no clue. But this is definitely interesting.

My post is supposed to be a joke. :) ..I'm not so sure everyone else was quite as amused :?

[katasincat87]

People must have been really dense if they didn't take that post w/ a grain of salt. I still thought you should know you would be on my list of LD people.