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GBHS Debaters bring home 2nd place trophy
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Courtesy photo Great Bend High School debate team members who traveled to the Sterling Debate Invitational are, from left: Lea Nokes, Analeah Ochs, Sachary Benefield, Ethan Middleton, Ryan Armendariz and Angel Palacio.

STERLING — Great Bend High School’s second-year debate students, Ryan Armendariz and Angel Palacio, won the junior varsity division at this past weekend’s Sterling Debate Invitational. Their 3 win, 1 loss record not only earned them 1st place medals, but also led the team to a 2nd place finish in Sweepstakes. 

Armendariz, a sophomore, and Palacio, a junior, enjoyed the in-person debate experience significantly more than the virtual debating they did as novices, Coach Kim Health said.

“Ryan and Angel have worked hard to prepare and have really built their analysis skills,” she said. “I am very proud of both of them.”

In the novice division, freshmen Lea Nokes and Analeah Ochs placed 5th with two wins and two losses. Also contributing to the team trophy were novices Ethan Middleton and Sachary Benefield.  

On Tuesday evening, novices Avithal Chanka, Nathan Campbell, Aliyah Fryberger and Alexa Sanchez debated their first interscholastic rounds over Zoom in the Maize High School Practice Tournament.

The debaters are hosting seven area teams at their home tournament this weekend. Great Bend High School’s next competition will be the Lyons High School’s Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 9.