Best Extempers Never to Win a National Championship?

[KY_Extemper]

Unlike pro sports where streaks can go on for years and years in high school you only have 8 legit chances at being national champion (if you factor in you can qualify that many times combined for NCFL & NFL Nationals). So I have to pose the question: who are the best extemper(s) never to win a national championship?

[MRdbtr]

That's a toughy, from what I've seen, I'd say Amaris Singer from Albuquerque Academy, NM.

[Amazing J Man]

I'd have to say Rana Yared from Nova HS.

[Josiahzacks]

David Tannenwald

[KY_Extemper]

Good responses from everyone I think. Here would be my small list:

*Ariel Schneller (technically he won a national championship w/the final round victory in IX at 2001 OK Nationals but he didn't win the whole thing, unfortunately)

*David Tannenwald (definitely one of the best extempers on the circuit during his time making 3 of 4 national finals his last two years)

*Amanda Knight (my "mentor" so to speak when I was really starting to get better in April 2002. She was 2nd to Jay Ward at 2002 at NFL Nationals in USX and always seemed to me to be a nice and controlled speaker)

[bigpoppatulls]

There was a really nice guy I met last year in Atlanta. His name is Chris McCall and I saw one of his speeches. He has a very relaxed quality to him. I'm not sure where he is from I think it was Illinois? Does anybody know where he's from?

[silverhammer2k4]

As far as Amanda Knight, I'd never have guessed she'd appear as the only time i saw her spoke was NFL finals that year and all i recall is feeling like my novice speeches looked similar and a teammate who did Duo turning to me and informing me even she couldve given a speech like that

then again not the most calming situation to speak in

[KY_Extemper]

Well Amanda's speech in that round wasn't the best of her career. I got a tape of that round and watch it from time to time and no one is really "on" in that 2002 USX final. Her speech was only 6:30 but is still funny from her body language as she rolled her eyes at Adam Johnson while transitioning from her second to third transition I think. Funny bit.

[Sheaff]

Brian Garfield

won harvard, won pine crest, won MBA..both exhibition & tourney
twice finalist at nfl...6th both times

[silverhammer2k4]

I remember two people as on that round....Jay...and the kid who made the running references to Nelly songs (worst decision ever with a panel of 9 40+ year olds judging)
the rest were...yeah not so on