Pine River-Backus Tigers roar into state speech meet

051221.PEJ.PRBSpeech.jpg — Pine River-Backus Tiger speech team members Randall Yost and Tabitha Kibwaa had a successful 2021 season, with them are coaches Jacob Burkman and Jen Anderson. Submitted Photo (May 2021)

By Travis G. Grimler

May 10, 2021 at 4:00 AM

Pine River-Backus High School speech team members concluded a winning season with a trip to the state meet held virtually April 23-24.

Randall Yost, competing in storytelling, placed first at the 23A sub-section tournament. He then placed third at the 6A section tournament, awarding him a slot at the Minnesota State High School League state tournament.

Tabitha Kibwaa, extemporaneous speaking, placed second at the 23A sub-section tournament. She then placed third in the 6A section tournament, advancing to the state tournament.

Kibwaa and Yost did not advance to the final round at state; however, both students had a successful season.

Yost had three third-place finishes, two second-place finishes and three first-place finishes for the season.

Kibwaa had two third-place finishes, two second-place finishes and one first-place finish for the season.

Jen Anderson and Jacob Burkman are team coaches.

By Travis G. Grimler

Travis Grimler began work at the Echo Journal Jan. 2 of 2013 while the publication was still split in two as the Pine River Journal and Lake Country Echo. He is a full time reporter/photographer/videographer for the paper and operates primarily out of the northern stretch of the coverage area (Hackensack to Jenkins).

Pine River-Backus Tigers roar into state speech meet

Yost and Kibwaa celebrate successful season