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Subject: Section 7AA Speech Tournament: Welcome & Preliminary Information 2026

Dear Section 7AA Speech Coaches,

Welcome to the 2026 Section 7AA season!

As we are in the thick of weekly invitationals, watching our students refine their pieces and find their voices, I wanted to reach out to officially welcome you to the upcoming Section Tournament. This event is the culmination of the hard work, late nights, and long bus rides you and your students have invested all season, and it is where we will determine who represents us at State.

I am honored to serve as your tournament manager this year. While I will send specific schematics and finer details closer to the date, please review the following critical information to assist with your planning.

Tournament Logistics

Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Location: Denfeld High School

Registration & Entry Limits

I know it feels early, but please take a few minutes to enter your preliminary category numbers as soon as possible. Accurate numbers are vital for facility planning and hiring the best possible judging panel.

Team Cap: Maximum of 39 total speakers.
Category Cap: Maximum of 6 entries per category.
Double Entering: No double-entering is permitted at the Section Tournament.

Timer Requirements

Each school is required to bring two adult timers (must be out of high school).

Draw Events: Will have a timer every round.
Non-Draw Events: Will be timed once in prelims and in all Finals (except Discussion).

Required Forms & Materials

To ensure the tournament runs smoothly and adheres to MSHSL bylaws, please attend to the following:

Community Standard Form: Prior to the tournament, please email me an updated form signed by your principal. A copy must also be sent to the MSHSL.
Scripts & Works Cited: Coaches must have the following on hand at the tournament. The Rules Interpretation Committee may request these in the event of a dispute; failure to produce the original script may result in disqualification.
- Public Address/Creative: (OO, Great Speeches, Info, Creative): Bring scripts with works cited.
- Interpretive Events: Bring copies of all selections, the cutting, and the original source (book/script).

Looking Ahead

Thank you for the dedication you show your students every day. Whether you are polishing a blocking moment or tweaking an intro, the work you are doing right now is what makes this activity so special.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns as we approach April. Good luck at your upcoming invitationals, and I look forward to seeing the talent Section 7AA brings to Denfeld!

Sincerely,

Jill Lofald

Denfeld Head Coach