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Panther Debate collects wins at two different opening weekend tournaments
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GBHS debaters who traveled to Garden City for the opening weekend of debate season are pictured. Back row from left: Diana Stoddard, Rhys Froetschner and Hunter McClanahan; fourth row: Callan Cavender, Hunter Nelson-Crawford, RJ Calvert, Elliot Jimenez and Mark Sperlein; third row: Kaitlyn Deason and Aubree Lewis; second row: Novalea Brand, Aliza Belcher, Korrie Christian, Holly Ann Lutrell, and Kimberly Peterson; front row: Ellie Damm, Grace Miller and Melissa Gutierrez
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GBHS debate team members who traveled to Sterling are pictured. Back row, from left: Ellie Nokes, Honore’ Ajuoh Ngam, Ethan Harrington and Parker Coleman; front row: Kendra Schneideman, Kyra Lewis, Nevaeh Nagel and Jaaziel Hernandez

The Panther Debate team kicked off its 2025-2026 season by splitting into two directions for opening weekend, competing at the Garden City “Angel on Your Shoulder” Novice Tournament and the Sterling High School traditional competitive tournament.

This year, the Panther Debate squad has 32 students, with two-thirds of them beginning debaters.

“We have a class of young, excited novices,” said Coach Kim Heath. “I am proud of my upperclassmen who are stepping up to guide them and build their confidence.”

The topic for debate this year is: “The United States federal government should significantly increase its exploration and/or development of the Arctic.” With climate change, natural resource interests, and geopolitical competition heating up, understanding and debating Arctic policy is particularly important this year. The debaters analyze and research both sides of this very broad topic.


Garden City Novice Tournament

The Garden City tournament provided a relaxed introduction to competitive debate, with no awards given. Novice teams competed in five rounds, the first two with helpers (called “Angels”) to keep debates on track and on time. Seniors Rhys Froetschner, Diana Stoddard, and Ellie Damm, along with juniors Kaitlyn Deason and Hunter McClanahan, served as Angels.

The novice teams of Mark Sperlein and RJ Calvert, as well as Aubree Lewis and Holly Ann Lutrell won three of their five rounds.

Hunter Nelson-Crawford & Korrie Christian, Grace Miller and Melissa Gutierrez, Elliot Jimenez and Kimberly Peterson and Novalea Brand, Aliza Belcher and Callan Cavender all had 4-1 win/loss rec


Sterling High School Tournament

At Sterling, the team competed in a more traditional competitive setting. The Panther Debate squad placed 2nd overall in sweepstakes, just one win behind McPherson.

Junior Parker Coleman served as Angel for novice teams during the first round before judging the remainder of the day. 

Kendra Scheideman and Ella Nokes went undefeated and won the open division. Kyra Lewis and Quinton Heath won three of the four rounds and placed 3rd as a team.

In the novice division, Nevaeh Nagel and Honore’ Ajuoh Ngam won one of the four rounds. Ethan Harrington and Jaaziel Hernandez finished in 8th place and had a three win, one loss record.

“I am so proud of the team’s hard work,” Coach Heath said. “Our upperclassmen are truly stepping up to mentor the novices, and it shows in their strong performances.”


Looking Ahead

Next Saturday, the Panther Debate team will compete at Junction City. The team will host its home tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4, and community members are invited to volunteer as judges. Interested volunteers should contact kim.heath@usd428.net.