Varsity and novice debaters gathered for a debate tournament held at Hays High on Oct. 3.

With previous records combined, Hays High is the overall sweepstakes champion.

At this particular meet, Hays debaters were unable to compete due to the event being hosted by Hays.

“We can’t compete at home tournaments because we have to get our own judges and there could be judge bias,” instructor Zach Butte said.

The team that took first overall in the varsity division was Garden City. In second was Dodge City, with Russell in third.

In the novice division, Garden again took first. TMP came in second, and Dodge in third.

Individually, the students who claimed both first and second place were part of Garden City’s team. The student who took third was from Dodge.

Upcoming debate events in which Hays will compete include Abilene this weekend, Buhler on the 17, and TMP on the 24.