The Hays High School debate team went to Wichita West on Nov. 19, for a novice tournament with only 10 teams.

On all three rounds, the teams went 2-1, but none of them medaled. The team consisted of freshman Magdalene Olson and freshman Lily Stivers, freshman Elisabeth Bergman and freshman Parker Harmon and sophomore Rebel John and freshman Kylee Odom.

“Elisabeth Bergman’s partner was ill that day and was unable to go along,” debate coach Paul English said. “Elisabeth decided she wanted to compete regardless, so in her rounds, she competed as a maverick.  This means that, regardless of the outcome of the debate, the other team would win. However, she was the absolute all-star of the night, being recognized by each round as the best speaker and would have won those rounds if it were possible.”

This was also the last tournament until regionals, which is on Dec. 20-21 in Lawrence, and then state, which is on Jan. 17-18 in Garden City.

27bstaleyherman@usd489.com