The Maine West Speech Team starts its season on Saturday, Oct. 28. Maine West will be competing against Crystal Lake High School. Co‑captains this year are Kathy Bashem and Janice Johnson.

Throughout the year there will be 50‑60 students participating in 11 events. The three basic categories the Speech Team competes in are interpretive reading events, speaking events, and acting events.

The students participating in the first three tournaments are seniors Kathy Bashem, Steve Burek, Tim Dadabo, Dave Jackson, Chris Kadlec, Heather McCune, Sheila Nelson, Yvonne Pytlik, Sue Ragusin, Judy Rompf, and Mike Weber. Juniors participating are Julie Farrell, Ruth Gajewski, Janice Johnson, Steve Hines, Frank Hruban, Paula Kavanaugh, John Nebl, Lori Nicholai,

Maureen O'Malley, Brian Schooley, Bob Schumm, Eileen Terry, Sheila Wall, and Dave Ward. Sophomores are Mike Bashem, Ellen Carrell, Laura Fisher, Jeanette King, Lisa Marquette, Marge O'Keefe, Kendl O'Kon, Tracy Scheffel, David St. Germain, Laura Stein, and Joanne Stine. Freshmen are Ed Johnson, and Sue Kadlec.

Last year Maine West won three tournaments. Eleven students qualified for championship competition.

According to Mr. Ronald Mills, the Speech and Drama chairman, "I predict a successful season. We have a strong team with a lot of depth in every category. This year we have one of the strongest teams ever."