The Great Bend High School Panther debate team clinched the first-place Sweepstakes Trophy at the Dodge City Debate Invitational this past weekend on Saturday, Nov. 4. This victory marks the team’s second-consecutive year winning the Boot Hill Invitational.  

The team of Kyra Lewis and Dominik Zimmerman delivered an outstanding performance, boasting an impressive record of 5 wins and 0 losses with perfect speaker points. This ultimately earned them first place in the novice category. Panther debate coach Kim Heath said: “Dominik and Kyra have been working hard to improve each and every week. As freshmen, they have already shown considerable leadership in the research and work they are putting in. It is great to see it pay off for them. They have contributed significantly to the team’s overall success.”

Sophomores Rhys Froetschner and Quinton Heath also made their mark by finishing with four wins and one loss, earning them a well-deserved third place in the open category. Also in the open category, juniors Reese King and Lea Nokes showcased their talent with three wins and two losses, securing sixth-place medals. 

Additionally, the team’s dynamic sophomore-freshman duo, Ellie Damm and Hunter McClanahan, finished the day with three wins and two losses and seventh place in the open division. This was McClanahan’s first participation in the open division.

Chrisangel Adame, Thomas Henrikson, Analeah Ochs and Jordan Ochs also earned crucial points for the Panthers on Saturday that contributed to the first-place finish.  

The GBHS debaters are gearing up for their next challenge at Nickerson, scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 11.