The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) held its State Speech Final last weekend in Peoria, Illinois. In a close final round, Luke Fosdick of Neuqua Valley High School scored an upset victory over #8 Pierce McDade of Normal University School and defending state champion Ajay Gupta of Hinsdale Central High School.
After a competitor’s high and low rank in finals was dropped, Fosdick’s scores of 2-2-2 were enough to defeat McDade’s 1-2-4 tally and Gupta’s 1-3-4 showing.
David Izzo of York Community High School and Hugo Pletcher of Downers Grove South High School tied for fourth with a composite score of 13. However, Izzo won the judges’ preference tiebreaker 3-2.
Avani Rai of Normal Community High School finished sixth.
Fosdick is the first Neuqua Valley winner since Saumya Jain won the title as part of a unique three-way tie at the Illinois State Speech Final in 2014.
All of the finalists earn an automatic qualification to this year’s Extemp TOC at Northwestern University.
Here are the results of the Illinois High School Association State Tournament (Click here for tab sheet):
State Champion: Luke Fosdick (Neuqua Valley High School)
2nd: Pierce McDade (Normal University School)
3rd: Ajay Gupta (Hinsdale Central High School)
4th: David Izzo (York Community High School)
5th: Hugo Pletcher (Downers Grove South High School)
6th: Avani Rai (Normal Community High School)
Extemp Central thanks the Illinois High School Activities Association for putting the results of the tournament online.