On behalf of Austin High School and Head Coach Dan Evans Hanson, I am pleased to welcome you to the Big 9 Speech Tournament on Thursday, March 12, 2026! Please complete a preliminary registration of your students by Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, so we can have an idea of how many rooms we will need. Final registration must be completed by Tuesday, March 3, 2025 at 5:00 PM. Per Big 9 rules, no late registrations are allowed. 

 

Here are some important logistical things to know about this year's tournament:

 

- The tournament will happen during our spring break, so getting buses in out of the parking lot should not be an issue. 

- Buses can park in the teacher/annex lot across from the main building. 

- Teams should report to the cafeteria on the ground floor of the building. There will be signs posted. 

- Concessions will be available for students. Meals will be provided for judges and coaches.

- Draws will begin at 4:15 PM in the Media Center.

 

Also, just some reminders about the contest itself:

 

- Three rounds, no finals

- Each team can bring NO MORE than 39 contestants.

- NO DOUBLE-ENTERING.

 

If you have questions or concerns about SpeechWire, registrations, drops/adds, or scheduling, please contact Sandy Nieland.  If you have questions about Austin High School logistics, please contact Austin Head Coach, Dan Evans Hanson.

 

Again, we are excited to host this year and look forward to seeing you! 

 

Sandy Nieland, Big 9 Tournament Manager           Dan Evans Hanson, Austin Head Coach

sandy.nieland59@gmail.com                                  daniel.hanson@austin.k12.mn.us

507-202-7594                                                          319-850-2486

 

 

(vr24)