Sidney, Potter-Dix Speech finishes runner-up at districts, qualifies multiple entries for state

Sidney, Potter-Dix Speech teams are state bound after a runner-up finishes at districts in Gering. Multiple entries qualified, including champions and top finishers across several events.

March 22, 2026Updated: March 22, 2026
News Channel NebraskaBy News Channel Nebraska

(Courtesy Photo)

SIDNEY, Neb. — Sidney High School’s speech team is headed to state after a strong showing at the district meet in Gering, earning overall runner-up honors and qualifying multiple entries. Gering won the district title.

Sidney secured several state berths across a variety of events. In duet acting, the teams of Kennedy Hobson and Kyah Hicks placed second, while Dagen Lee and Raven Dinorog took third, with both advancing to state. Josette McConnell earned a second-place finish in extemporaneous speaking to qualify, and Raven Dinorog claimed a district title in serious prose, also punching a ticket to state.

The team also earned a championship in oral interpretation of drama (OID) with “Sweeney,” adding another state qualifier.

In D2-6 competition, Cody-Kilgore claimed the team title, followed by Potter-Dix in second.

The Coyotes were led by first place finishes from Gabe Thomsen (entertainment), Kyle Lenstrom and Sawyer Knoll (duet acting), Lenstrom, Knoll, Kenzie Schoemaker, Kennedy Knoll and Cayli Spencer (oral interpretation of drama) and Peyton Rasmussen (oral interpretation of serious prose).

Teams will now prepare for the NSAA State Speech Championships this week in Kearney.

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