State Champ? That’s Hilarious

Kolb takes first in Solo Acting Humorous forensics category

By Caitlin Marsch, Current Staff

The West Bend High Schools are home to three of the funniest students in the state of Wisconsin.

East junior Emily Kolb took first place in the category Solo Acting Humorous at the state forensics tournament held April 7 at the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater. Kolb was joined at the podium by West senior Anna Pitz and East junior Ian O’Day, who were also among the six finalists in the category.

The Wisconsin Forensic Coaches’ Association describes the category as “bringing a humorous text to life through solo performance.” Kolb says she was incredibly surprised when she was revealed as the state champion.

“There’s so many people in these categories that really work their butts off,” Kolb said. “I thought I was just like everyone else, but I guess the judges thought differently.”

Doris Sexton, the East forensics coach, wasn’t shocked by Kolb’s success.

“She’s very good at what she does, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise,” Sexton said. “I was clearly thinking she had that chance.”

Kolb didn’t see that potential until later in the season, however.

“After the last tournament, I knew I had a shot to get into semifinals, and whatever happened happened after that,” Kolb said.

Pitz, another one of the finalists, shared the same sentiment.

“I didn’t realize the progression I had made until the state tournament,” Pitz said. “I worked so hard and had so much fun with this piece that I didn’t expect anything to happen at state.”

Pitz says that being announced as a finalist was a wonderful feeling and the most exciting moment of her high school career so far.

“I honestly did not believe it was true,” Pitz said. “I didn’t think (the semifinal round) went very well so I thought someone was pranking me.”

“Emily’s very good at what she does, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise.”
– Doris Sexton, East forensics coach

Pitz said WBHS’ success in claiming half of the category’s finalists was amazing.

“West Bend showed our dominance in being funny,” Pitz said. “We took that category like we owned it, and that’s incredible, because it is one of the most competitive categories that forensics has to offer.”

Kolb says a key part of her success was being confident.

“I just kind of went into it,” Kolb said, “treating it like it was the first meet, making it feel fresh and original.”

Pitz attributes her success to lots of practice.

“I practiced talking to myself in my bedroom a lot before that special day,” Pitz said.

Pitz also attributes it to the support she received.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without the support of my friends, my coaches and my family,” Pitz said. “They all believed in me. It made me believe in myself.”

Kolb gave the following advice to anyone hoping to be the next state champion: “Work hard, but don’t stress yourself out. As hard as you try, it’ll end up showing off in the end.”

East junior Emily Kolb with her state tournament award. Photo by Caitlin Marsch, Current Staff.