WPHS Speech Team Competes For 40th Championship
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WHEELING -- The Wheeling Park High School speech and debate team competes for its 40th consecutive state championship this weekend, and the public is invited to come greet members when they return to Wheeling later today.
Team members boarded buses early Friday to make the journey to Huntington and Marshall University.
"I think this team has prepared well. They're ready," said coach Bill Cornforth. "They should compete well."
Following the tournament, the team is expected to return and arrive at Wheeling Park's White Palace sometime between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. today. "(B)ut this is subject to change based on how things go on Saturday," a social media post from Wheeling Park High School states.
The Club Room inside the Stone Building near the White Palace will be open at 8:30 p.m. Saturday for an expected celebration and will remain open until the team returns. Members of the public are invited to turn out and bring posters and signs supporting the team.
Treat bags are being assembled for the team members, and anyone wishing to contribute items is asked to drop them off inside the main office at the White Palace.
There are 34 team members making the trip to the tournament, as well as four coaches.
Coach Bill Cornforth has been associated with all 40 state championships -- first as an assistant coach under former coach Fran Schoolcraft, and now as head coach of the team. He said the 2019 team is every bit as competitive, talented and spirited as the 39 past winning teams.
Cornforth was impressed by the efforts team members displayed when they hosted an open house for the public this week and delivered the presentations they will put forth this weekend in Huntington.
"It's amazing how many of them get even better when they are performing in front of an audience," he said. "They always do better with an audience.
"This group is right up there with the best groups. We see it year-to-year that teams always rise to the occasion. I want to see this happening."
Cornforth, who has been considering retirement, said he hasn't decided yet whether he will return next year to see the team make yet another tournament run.
"I'm blessed to have this job," he said. "It's not everybody who is excited to go to work each day. As an educator, that says a lot."