NORFOLK – The Northeast Community College speech team has a tough act to follow after its first place showing at a national tournament last year. In addition to earning 50 trophies during the 2013-14 season, the Hawks captured the Division II First Place Team Sweepstakes title at the Junior Varsity National Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.

“With a successful first place win at nationals in our division last spring, our speech team has tasted victory – and they want more,” said Terry Nelson, speech instructor and team head coach. “Fresh off of this national success, the veteran speech team competitors are looking to finish their last year at Northeast as champions, while three new competitors bring fresh talent and energy.”

With the first tournament fast approaching, Nelson and new Assistant Coach Ronnie Ware are gearing up for another year of “excellent speaking – and earn additional trophies to be displayed in an already full case outside the Speech Team office on the Norfolk campus.

Nelson said, “Our speech team has made a name for itself on the competitive speaking circuit, and we’re looking forward to continuing to represent Northeast Community College students, faculty and staff as a talented, diligent and outstanding bunch.”

Returning members include Musa Fofana, Serrekunda, The Gambia, Joe Lose, Kansas City, MO, and Drew Sempek, Stromsburg. New members include Dylan Arnold, Perham, MN, Timmy Browning, Bancroft, and Jasmine Lee Phander, Ewing. In addition, Northeast alumni Robert and William Nelson are volunteering their time to assist the team and help members prepare for competitions.

The Hawks first tournament of the fall is at Barton Community College in Great Bend, KS, September 19-21.