FSHS debaters excel in opening tournaments

The Fort Scott High School debate squad was in action for the opening weekend of the season.

The Tigers continued their trend of high participation as they ventured to three different tournaments. The varsity saw action at Blue Valley West and Independence High Schools, where novice team members joined them. Another group of novices also competed at Louisburg.

The squad came away with two top-three sweepstakes finishes at Independence and Louisburg.

Leading the Tigers at Independence were varsity debaters Sterling Braun and Brad Parsons, fourth; and AnnRene Braun and Brittney Doherty, fifth. At the novice level, Chase Rooks and Daniel Lyon ended their first tournament, placing second.

Medaling at Louisburg were partners Kim Stone and Josh Nunez, second; and Jeffery Durbin and Ellen Stienbarger, fifth. Several other team members ended their respective tournaments with winning records and contributed to the squad's high finishes. Coach Weilert said, "When you can go out opening weekend with 40 students competing, you are already a success. I was extremely proud of my novices, who braved the first tournament with so few weeks of preparation. We started last year with almost identical results and I was pleased how the year progressed. I am confident we will do well again."