Tournament Invite Letter

October 24, 2008

Dear Colleague,
It is our pleasure to invite you to the 1st Annual O’Neill High School “Speaking Eagle” Speech Tournament on January 10th, 2009.
Competition: Competition will include divisions for both Novice and Varsity speakers in all NSAA sanctioned events with the addition of an open division of Impromptu Speaking. A copy of a sample impromptu ballot will be sent out later. The novice tournament format will be two prelims/no finals while the varsity tournament format will be two prelims and final with events of ten or more entries.
Awards: The top four novice entries in each event will receive medals. The top six varsity entries in each event will receive medals. The top two teams in both Varsity and Novice Sweepstakes will receive plaques.
Fees: The fee for each entry is $7.00. For every six entries, you must provide one judge to cover them. For each uncovered slot, a fee of $10.00 will be charged to your overall entry. Please make an attempt to bring judges with you, as our judging pool of experienced hired judges is limited.
Initial Entry: All potential entries are due via e-mail or snail mail to me by December 15th. While I know this is early, I want to have general idea of how big the tournament will be and have a working schematic before Christmas break. Therefore, be as generous and optimistic with your entry as your want to be as I know there will probably be drops when we come back in January. Use attached Excel Sheet as a guideline.
Drop Deadlines: You may make drops with changes to your entry fees until 5:00 pm January 5th. After than, entry fees are frozen. If at all possible, I would like all potential drops/substitutions(No Adds) by 5:00 pm January 8th.
Schedule
7:00-7:45- Registration- Student Lounge
8:00- Round 1A (Duet, Humorous, Impromptu, Informative, Entertainment)
8:30- Extemp Draw- Round 1
9:15- Round 1B(OID, Serious, Persuasion, Extemp, Poetry)
10:30- Round 2A
11:00- Extemp Draw- Round 2
11:45- Round 2B
1:00- Flight A Varsity Finals for Events of 10 or more
1:30- Extemp Draw for Finals(If Needed)
2:15- Flight Be Varsity Finals for Events of 10 or more
4:00 or ASAP- Awards

Food: There will be Judges/Coaches lounge available throughout the day. We are currently making arrangements for feeding students and observers throughout the day.
Courtesy: Unless a competitor is double entered or has to draw for extemp, it is expected that they’ll stay and watch the entire round to be considerate listeners and audience members. Also, all socializing and music should be kept to the student/speaker commons area(the gym)
Contact Info:
School- 402-336-2812
Cell- 402-340-3049
E-mail- bmohr@esu8.org
Website- oneillspeechtourney.blogspot.com