Seaholm’s Forensics team hopes to continue its domination as the state finals approach.
“[I] believe we have a good shot of being in the top five in the state again,” Coach Justin LaBond said. “It would be eleven years in a row now.”
The team is sending a total of 34 members in 25 events, tying a school record set last year for the most events at a state tournament.
“It’s two years in a row of the highest we’ve ever sent,” LaBond said, “So that’s pretty exciting.”
Senior captain Jillian Spina agreed, saying that the team’s size helps their chances of winning.
“I think we’re going to be really strong this year,” Spina said. “We have the same amount of people going as we did last year, and it’s a big number compared to the rest of the schools.”
LaBond listed Portage Northern, Portage Central, and Grand Rapids Catholic Central as the team’s main competition, but stressed that he isn’t overly concerned with the other schools.
“My focus is on these guys,” LaBond said.
Junior Alex Gothard, who is returning to States for the second year in the row, said that she feels much more confident this year.
“I have a year of experience under my belt, so I know what to expect,” Gothard said. “I have a pretty good idea of what my competition’s going to be like.”
With the tournament, which takes place from April 30 to May 1, fast approaching, LaBond said that he encourages the team to refrain from making any major changes their pieces.
“Too many changes can get you in trouble,” LaBond said. “I think it’s just honing what they have right now.”
Coach Danielle Longo hopes that the team can translate the time they’ve spent practicing into victory.
“I think Seaholm is going to take all their hours of practice and turn it into competition,” Longo said.
