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Missouri, the “Show-Me” state, crowned two new state champions last week when it hosted its 2014 state tournament on the campus of the University of Missouri-Columbia. The state divides extemp into United States and International categories, a split that began last season. In International Extemp, Brandon Splitter of Carthage High School became the second extemper from his school to win a state extemp title in three years. Splitter defeated Raj Patel of Liberty North High School by two ranks. Benjamin Anderson of Nixa High School took third.
In United States Extemp, Michael Menkhus of Oakville High School won a sizable victory, beating Matthew Estes of Seneca High School by four ranks. Alexis Jackson of Nixa High School placed third.
The non-senior extempers in each of the final rounds earned automatic qualifications to the 2015 Extemporaneous Speaking Tournament of Champions (TOC) at Northwestern University. Six extempers met this criteria and they are indicated in italics below.
Here are the results of the 2014 Missouri High School Activities Association State Championship (Click here for tab sheet):
International Extemp
Champion: Brandon Splitter (Carthage High School)
2nd: Raj Patel (Liberty North High School)
3rd: Benjamin Anderson (Nixa High School)
4th: Jonathan Christy (Lee’s Summit High School)
5th: Ryan Houston (Republic High School)
6th: Keerthi Gondi (Parkway West High School)
7th: Anubhav Garg (Central-Springfield High School)
8th: Thomas Sarsfield (Pattonville High School)
United States Extemp
Champion: Michael Menkhus (Oakville High School)
2nd: Matthew Estes (Seneca High School)
3rd: Alexis Jackson (Nixa High School)
4th: Jonah Ragsdale (Monett High School)
5th: Ashleigh Tucker (Central-Springfield High School)
6th: John Langa (Parkway Central High School)
7th: Garrett Sauer (Blue Springs South High School)
8th: Cole Culp (Neosho High School)
Extemp Central thanks the Missouri High School Activities Association for posting the results of the tournament online.