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Lyon and Weilert to represent FSHS in national debate tourney
The Fort Scott High School debate team traveled in two directions Dec. 11-12.
One group competed at the National Forensics League national qualifying tournament that weekend in Southeast Cherokee. The second group traveled to Tonganoxie to compete at the last regular season tournament which was flooded from 25 schools from across the state. The tournament in Cherokee determines which three teams will earn the right to compete at the national tournament next summer.
The Tiger debate squad had a good showing at the tournament in Cherokee, taking one of the national spots. Team members Daniel Lyon and Baker Weilert ended the day with a 5-1 record and a second place finish.
"Going into the tournament I felt all four of our teams were talented enough to qualify," FSHS debate coach Brian Weilert said. "The tournament being in Southeast changed the judging pool a bit from what our teams have been competing in all year so I knew it would be a challenge. I am proud of these two boys as they assured that the Tigers will be represented at the national tournament for the fifth consecutive year."
Other FSHS teams who competed at that event include Chris Clay and Jeff Durbin, Chris Herman and Kai Simmons-Mims, and Matt Carrillo and Chase Rooks.
FSHS teams also competed well at the tournament in Tonganoxie as the overall four-team record was good enough to capture the championship. The teams of Angel West and Keenan Gregory and Austin Bailey and Kira Dugan ended the day as medalists. The team of Laila Alshawish and James Lipscomb and the novice pairing of Allison Piatt and Colby Cox, who were competing at their first varsity tournament, all came away with winning records to contribute to the team award, Weilert said.