Tiger debate team earns regional champ honors

Pictured left to right are Caleb Moore, Tyler Slinkard, Taylor Nielson, Garrett Tatro and Taylor Watkins.(Submitted Photo)

The Fort Scott debate squad headed into action at Paola on Dec. 15 for one of three regionals held throughout the state.

At each regional, the top-three placing teams advance to the state tournament.

Unlike athletic regionals where seeding plays a big role, the debate regional is unique in the fact that each team faces every other team on both sides of the issue.

The four-speaker team was comprised of Caleb Moore/Taylor Nielson on the affirmative and Taylor Watkins/Tyler Slinkard on the negative.

Garrett Tatro served as the alternate.

Each pairing took care of business, finishing the day with a 5-1 records. The combined 10-2 record was good enough to capture first place and end the day as regional champions.

"I am very proud of the work they have put in," coach Brian Weilert commented. "This year, we were adjusting to having to replace a lot of lost talent from the year before ... and each day we continue to get better. This weekend is the result of not only these four students' efforts but the efforts of the squad in its entirety who contributed the research necessary to compete at such a high level."

The team will be going for its seventh consecutive state trophy as they head to the state tournament held in Tonganoxie Jan. 11 and 12.