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Hunter Today
By the People, for the People
Valley City High School Speech Team Dominates Northern Cass Tournament
VCHS Speech Team Secures Six First-Place Finishes and Seven State Qualifiers in Class B Competition
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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The Valley City High School Speech Team had a standout performance at the Northern Cass Tournament on February 7, 2026, securing six first-place finishes and seven state qualifiers in their first season competing in Class B. The team's impressive results continue their strong start to the season, cementing an incredible comeback after losing their 6x Class A State Champion streak in 2024.
Why it matters
The Valley City High School Speech Team's dominant showing at the Northern Cass Tournament underscores their resilience and ability to adapt to the challenges of competing in a new class. Their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students and coaches, and it positions the team well for continued success as they gear up for their next meet against Western Class B teams.
The details
At the Northern Cass Tournament, VCHS speakers claimed first-place finishes in Impromptu (Abby Wilmes), Extemporaneous (Carter Hass), Persuade (Cadence Fetsch), Radio (Carter Hass), Informative (Addison Fetsch), and Poetry (Cadence Fetsch). The team also secured seven state qualifiers, six of whom were previously qualified.
- The Northern Cass Tournament took place on February 7, 2026.
- VCHS Speech Team's first tournament of the season was in which they took 1st place with 137 points and a 60-point lead over Kindred.
- VCHS Speech Team's second tournament of the season was in which they took 2nd place with 85 points and only 10 team members present, while Kindred took first with 100 points.
- The team's next meet will be at Bismarck St. Mary's this Saturday.
The players
Valley City High School Speech Team
A high school speech team that is competing in Class B for the first time this season, after previously dominating in Class A and winning the state championship six times.
Abby Wilmes
A VCHS speaker who placed 1st in Impromptu and 2nd in Extemporaneous at the Northern Cass Tournament.
Carter Hass
A VCHS speaker who placed 1st in Extemporaneous and Radio at the Northern Cass Tournament.
Cadence Fetsch
A VCHS speaker who placed 1st in Persuade and Poetry at the Northern Cass Tournament.
Addison Fetsch
A VCHS speaker who placed 1st in Informative and 1st in Entertain at the Northern Cass Tournament.
What they’re saying
“This has been Valley City's best start to a Speech Season since 2022, cementing an incredible comeback after losing their 6x Class A State Champion Streak in 2024.”
— Steve Urness, Author (newsdakota.com)
What’s next
The team is now gearing up for their meet in the West at Bismarck St. Mary's this Saturday. The meet will be an important test of their team's ability to win against Western Class B Teams.
The takeaway
The Valley City High School Speech Team's dominant performance at the Northern Cass Tournament demonstrates their resilience and adaptability as they transition to competing in Class B. Their success positions them well for continued triumph as they face off against Western Class B teams in their upcoming meet.
