Great Bend High School Panther Debaters demonstrated exceptional skill at the Buhler and Nickerson tournaments, securing numerous top placements and earning the 1st place Sweepstakes trophies at both competitions.
“The team is really beginning to come together,” debate coach Kim Heath commented. “ The research and hard work of preparation is highlighted by the fact that our individual accomplishments are spanning multiple divisions. Varsity members are stepping up to mentor younger debaters which will hopefully continue our success into the future.”
The Buhler tournament took place on Saturday November 18th and for the 2nd consecutive year the Panthers brought home top honors.
The team was led by strong varsity performances in the Open Division. Milena Carbajal and Darcy Feist clinched 1st Place with a record of 4 wins and 1 loss. Juniors Lea Nokes and Brandon Morgan demonstrated skill and resilience with 3 wins and 2 losses. Additionally, junior teammates Reese King and Ailey Williams contributed to the team’s success with 2 wins and 3 losses. Unfortunately, the brother and sister team of Chanler Riley and Trista Riley did not secure any wins this time.
In the Junior Varsity Division, the Freshman team of Dominik Zimmerman and Kyra Lewis remained undefeated, claiming the top spot. Right behind them, Sophomores Rhys Froetschner and Quinton Heath achieved an impressive 2nd place with 5 wins and 0 losses. Zachary Hart and Parker Coleman finished with 3 wins and 2 losses, earning them 8th place.
Additionally, the Novice Division witnessed Rey Portillo and Hunter McClanahan securing 3rd place with 4 wins and 1 loss. Kaitlyn Froetschner and Sheridan Johnson finished with 2 wins and 3 losses, while Trason Stevens and Majestic Maher displayed determination with 1 win and 4 losses.
On Saturday November 11th the Panther debate team won the Cowbell Invitational at Nickerson.
In the Open Division, Juniors Feist and King took 1st Place with an unblemished record of 4 wins and 0 losses. Thomas Henrikson and Chrisangel Adame had 3 wins and 1 loss, earning them 5th place. However, Chanler Riley and Analeah Ochs faced challenging rounds and did not win any decisions.
Junior Varsity showcased outstanding performances at Nickerson. Ellie Damm and Zachary Hart were victorious in all rounds and won 1st Place. Freshmen Brinley Creamer and Mila Shives moved up this weekend from the novice division to junior varsity. They finished the day with 2 wins and 2 losses. Keaton Kruckenberg and Caroline Vandenburg also had 2 wins and 2 losses. Theo Hopkinson – Smith and Jordan Ochs faced tough competition, securing 1 win and 3 losses.
The Novice Division witnessed Coleman and Kendra Scheideman earning 4th Place with a record of 3 wins and 1 loss. Stevens and McClanahan ended the day with 2 wins and 2 losses.
Looking ahead, the Panther Debaters are eagerly preparing for their next challenge at the Clay Center and Maize Tournaments on Saturday, December 2nd.