On Nov. 5, the Great Bend High School Debate Team traveled to Hays with five teams and three placed at the Thomas More Prep - Marian Debate Tournament.
In Open Varsity Division, first year freshman Morgan Francis and third year junior Chase Pumford finished with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record, placing 2nd. Pumford also placed 2nd in Speaker Awards with 7 speaker points, dropping only two speaker points from a perfect score. “This tournament was a lot of fun. It was my first undefeated tournament of the season. I’m really proud of my partner Morgan Francis. She really contributed to our success and she has a bright future in debate ahead of her”, said Pumford. Third year junior Alexander Smith and second year sophomore Marissa Hoisington placed 5th with a 4-1 win-loss record. Second year junior Sylvia Ofoma and Paige VanSteenburgh finished with a 3-2 win-loss record. Second year sophomore Courtney Seever and first year sophomore Nathan Stoulil finished with a 2-3 win-loss record.
In Novice Division, first year freshman Nathaniel Cheney, Christopher Snow, and Spencer Johnson finished with a perfect 5-0 win-loss record, placing 2nd. Cheney also placed 2nd in speaker awards with 6 speaker points, only dropping one point from a perfect record.  “For me being a novice I did amazing. I was undefeated and placed 2nd. I was so shocked and excited. Placing 2nd in speaker points made my day even more. I couldn’t have done it without my partners”, said Nathaniel Cheney.