James Madison Memorial High School earned their fifth Wisconsin Forensic Coaches’ Association State Championship on Saturday, April 19 at Ripon College. The Spartans—coached by Tom Hardin, Tim Scheffler, and Nick Bubb—had previously earned State Championships in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2006 (shared with Appleton East). Memorial joins West Bend West High School as a five-time champion (West Bend West took home the title in 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1985); only Appleton East has earned more State Championships, bringing home the honor seven times (1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2005, and 2006). The Spartans also claimed six individual championships en route to their victory.
Winning individuals State Championships were: Andrew Gonzalez (four minute), Andrew Muir and Josh Tennenbaum (Play Acting), Chelsea Burris (Poetry), Yi Ding (Public Address), Albert Li (Oratory), and Emma Cornwall (Storytelling).
JMM cleared 24 out of 25 entries into semi-final rounds and 20 entries into final rounds. Also earning state finalist honors were: Jordan Hinahara (four minute - 6th), Jiwon Jun (four minute - 4th), Kate Rifkin (farrago - 2nd), Samantha Harper (moments - 4th), Trisch Ulrich (moments - 2nd), Namratta Sehgal (Oratory - 2nd), Treecy Marquradt-Thomas (Oratory - 5th), Matt Scales (Prose - 4th), Conner Hutchins (Radio - 3rd), Spencer O’Rourke (Solo Humorous - 4th), Anna Sewell (Solo Serious - 2nd), Colin Woodbury (Solo Serious - 4th), Sisi Brown (Solo Serious - 5th), Juliette Walker (Special Occassion - 4th). Semifinalist honors were also given to Yi Yi (extemp), Chris Tate (poetry), Yvonne Loung (Solo Serious), Ben Mau (Solo Humorous).