Mater Dei Speech Team Ends 20-year Drought

The Mater Dei High School Speech Team has won the IHSFA Class 1A State Championship, their first State speech title since 1997.  

Even more impressive: Alex Harrison won an individual State Championship, the school’s first since 1959.  Harrison defeated 48 competitors from across Indiana to earn the title of 2017 State Champion in Humorous Interpretation.

Coach Dave Nagel said this was his goal since coming to Mater Dei in 2013.  “We had a great group of coaches, parents, alumni and volunteers who have worked tirelessly along the way so we could realize this accomplishment,” Nagel said.

Competitors who advanced during the March 11 tournament were quarterfinalists Noah Harrison, Parker Copeland and Lucas McLin, and semifinalist Aaron Abell.

Several students made it to the final round of the top 6 competitors in the state of Indiana.  Nathan Seiler placed sixth in Broadcasting and third in Original Oratory.  Alex Harrison and Natalie Lyons placed second overall in Duo Interpretation.  

Congratulations to all participants on their sectional and state championships this season.