Grollman takes 4th, Spuds shine at NIETOC

From left to right: Dylan Stage, Bridget McManamon, Margaret Dickey, Lance Morlock, Sophia Klindt, Ariana Grollman, Luke Seidel.

In a final tune-up before next month's NSDA National Tournament, seven of the 16 NSDA qualifiers suited up at the National Individual Events Tournament of Champions in Denver. Senior Ariana Grollman led the way for the Spuds, advancing to the final round in Humor for the second consecutive season. After taking 5th place in 2017 with "Some Like it Hot," Grollman took home 4th place with her interpretation of "I, Tonya."

The entire team enjoyed success at this year's tournament as well. Seniors Lance Morlock (Oratory) and Luke Seidel (Drama) advanced to the top 12 in their categories but just missed the final cut to the top six. Seidel, along with duo partner Sophia Klindt, as well senior Bridget McManamon (Oratory) and juniors Margaret Dickey (Drama) and Klindt (Humor) advanced to the quarterfinal round. Junior Dylan Stage also performed well in Drama but fell just short of the Octofinal round in his first NIETOC appearance.

Overall, the Spuds finished in 7th place among the largest schools at the tournament in the Act III division (schools with seven or more entries). It's Moorhead's best finish in Act III and first top-10 finish since winning the Act II division at NIETOC in 2014.

These Spuds, along with five other speech entries and four debaters, will now turn their attention to Nationals, starting June 18 in Ft. Lauderdale. These speakers are in need of your support to help bring their performances to the national stage. Please consider making a donation to the team by following the link here. These speakers have important messages to share but can only do so with your support!