FSHS forensics team wins State Championship

Fort Scott High School 2009 Kansas state forensics champions assemble for a photograph with their championship trophy on Tuesday. The squad worked together to bring home the state title on Saturday during the state forensics competition. Front row from left - Baker Weilert, duet and humorous solo acting; Keenan Gregory, poetry; Keifer Cruse, extemporaneous speaking; Andrew Benage, duet; Jenni Wilson, duet; Garrett Baugher, serious solo acting; Kira Dugan, poetry. Back row, from left - Jeff Durbin, serious solo acting; Kim Stone, extemporaneous speaking; Sterling Braun, HSA; Angel West, Lincoln Douglas Debate; James Lipscomb, POE; Daniel Lyon, extemporaneous speaking; Jacoby Zielinski, duet; Joe Reichard, Lincoln Douglas Debate. Not pictured: Erin Allen, serious solo acting; Kai Simmons-Mims, duet; Brittney Doherty, original oration; Addi Brown, duet; and Chris Herman, duet. (Tribune photo/Rayma Silvers)

Hard work, determination and the support of a dedicated coach helped a group of Fort Scott High School students claim the 4A state forensics championship on Saturday.

The 2009 Kansas state forensics tournament was declared to be the largest state tournament in the history of Kansas, attracting 54 schools and 570 competitors from across the state, according to FSHS Debate and Forensics coach Brian Weilert.

Despite the large turn out, the FSHS squad came out victorious. According to forensics team member Jacoby Zielinski, 10 of the school's entries made it into the semifinal round and eight out of the 10 made it into the final competition, earning enough points for the squad to be named state forensics champions. The FSHS debate team also won the state championship earlier in the year, and according to Weilert this is the first time the local school has earned both a debate and forensics state title in the same year.

"The win gives Fort Scott its first ever state championship in forensics and puts them in company with a very elite few who have captured both the state debate and forensics title in the same year," Weilert said.

FSHS debate and forensics student Kim Stone said earning both the debate state championship and the forensics state championship in one year has been very gratifying.

"It's most satisfying to have back to back championships," Stone said.

Stone added the wins would not have been possible without the help and support of the high school administration and Weilert.

Joe Reichard, FSHS student, said he is proud to be a member of the local forensics squad.

"Personally, it feels amazing that we beat out 54 schools," Reichard said. "We're the number one school in the state. It gives you a sense of accomplishment."

According to Zielinski, the excitement that he feels to know he is a part of the best team in the state is not just because he is happy for himself, but rather the excitement stems from wanting to do well for Weilert.

"It feels good to know that I contributed to the state championships and to know that I was good enough to be one of the 16 to work together to win the state championship to pay back Weilert. He does more than we do."

FSHS student Keifer Cruse was among several students who said one of the major reasons both the debate and forensics squads had such a successful year was largely due to the coaching abilities of Weilert.

"The work was hard, but it was not just for my own happiness, I finally get to pay Weilert back for four years of amazing teaching," Cruse said.

FSHS senior Andrew Benage said he attributes a portion of the team's success this year to hard work and diligence which began several years ago. He added the 2009 senior debate and forensics students were a part of the first freshmen class that Weilert coached. Being under Weilert's tutelage for four years has helped the students fully develop their debate and forensics abilities, according to Benage.

"We're the first class to go all the way," Benage said. "We started with Weilert when we were freshmen."

Forensics student Sterling Braun added perfecting forensics skills takes several years and a lot of hard work and dedication.

"It takes years," Braun said. "It's more than something you do in one year. For a lot of people developing talent takes several years."

Benage said he could not ask for a better ending to his final year participating in forensics.

"It has been an amazing ride," Benage said. "To end on this note has made the work worth it."

Zielinski added, "there is no greater feeling than when every ounce of pain and work put into it is returned."

According to Braun, even though the students are excited about their state championship, they do not have time to quit working as they will be traveling to a debate tournament this weekend and will be participating in the national debate tournament in June.

Weilert said he is happy for the forensics students on his squad, as their hard work and talents have helped lead them to victory.

"This has just been one of those magical years where the team is rewarded for all of their hard work," Weilert said. "It is amazing what can be done with talent, hard work and just a little bit of attitude. I am so proud of all that these students and those on the entire team for what they have accomplished this year."