UIL Academics Heads to Canyon

Harley Bauer

Editor-in-Chief

This past weekend, the Matadors went to their first UIL invitational competition of the year at Canyon High School. The academic team traveled to the New Braunfels area high school to compete in academics as well as speech and debate.

“I would say my first UIL meet went pretty okay all things considered,” sophomore Gracelyn Hill said. “I’m hoping to accomplish a better understanding for public speaking and getting out of my shell this year. I can definitely see room for improvement and the meet only made me over refreshed for what is to come in future meets.”

Sophomore Angel Medrano was one of two members of the speech and debate team who made finals though she fell short of official placement with a seventh place finish. Senior Cody Mazzurana, however, placed sixth in a tough field of competitors in persuasive extemporaneous speaking.

On the academic side, senior AJ Burns came in with two rankings, second in science and fourth in math. He is a four year academic team veterin and says he has watched everyone improve since his freshman year.

“The first meet this year that I have attended went very well,” senior AJ Burns said. “I performed well in my competitions and had a great time overall.”

Additional team members who placed include: Hunter Kotronakis - 6th copy editing, 3rd news and 6th feature writing. Karen Ranft - 5th in headlines, Harley Bauer - 3rd in feature writing. Kassandra Ortiz - 5th in spelling.

The team is still awaiting some placing for additional events.

They are currently in preparation for their next invitational meet to be held at Wimberley High School on February 8.