Along with returning experience, Cotter’s Speech Team is leaning on new members to contribute this year.

“We are excited this year to have 49 students on the speech team,” said Coach Amy French. “Two years ago there were 4 participants, last year we had 17, so we have just about tripled in size.”

The growth in numbers will help the speech team compete at a higher level this year as they look toward the first meet of the year in Eden Prairie on January 31.

This is no ordinary meet, because of the inclusion of a novice competition where new members from all schools compete against each other.

“This is huge,  because usually novices take a meet or two just to get used to speech meets in general, “ said French.

The season only heats up from there as Cotter will be hosting a meet this year, which is unfamiliar territory.

“It is the first day of Spring Break, anyone wanting to come and watch is more than welcome to do so,” French stated, “we are so excited to host a meet.”

Coach French encourages all potential speech team member to give it a try, “Being able to communicate well, with confidence, in front of others is a skill everyone will use in whatever field you go into. You learn a skill that you will use your entire life.”

Co-c0aching with fellow Cotter parent Deb Beckman, French is grateful to have such wonderful support from the Cotter family. “We have had great support from Sr. Judy and Travis Whipple.  Also, many thanks to the Basketball program, and music programs for working with us, to allow the students to do speech, in addition to these programs.”

The speech season kicks off on Saturday, January 31 in Eden Prairie.