The Manhattan High Debate team competed in three State-level tournaments over the weekend.

“They’ve all had every single competitor in the state level tournaments that we’ve participated in, had huge wins and successes in the regular season,” head coach Mac Phrommany said. “And going into this, while it is a state level tournament, it was also a bit of a celebration.”

Freshmen Anvesha Sharda and Kate Ward went 5-1 in the Novice State tournament in the freshmen-only division. Sharda was recognized as the number one preliminary speaker out of 120 competitors and Ward was recognized as the second best preliminary speaker.

“Unfortunately in our first round of the elimination rounds, we lost on a split decision,” Sharda said, “which I think at the end of day, was a little disappointing.”

Freshmen Allina Dougherty and Jordyn West went 3-3. Dougherty was recognized as the 16th best speaker. The pair lost three of their rounds the first day but won the rest of the rounds the next day.

“It felt good to be able to come back,” Dougherty said.

Freshman Eli Kunz and sophomore JB Brock went 3-3 in the Novice State tournament. Brock was recognized as 11 best preliminary speaker out of 58 speakers. 

Sophomore Ianni Morales-Diaz and freshman Helinna Bontrager went 3-3.

“It was pretty competitive,” Bontrager said.

Senior Crysteen Brown and junior Megan Long went 4-2 in the Kansas Debate Classic tournament. Senior KJ Jones and sophomore Greyson Hickel went 3-3 in the Kansas Debate Classic tournament.

Junior Sam DeLong and sophomore Annabelle Jung went 2-3 in the Debate Coaches Invitational.

“It could have gone better for sure,” DeLong said. “But I am happy, I guess, that it wasn’t a complete disaster.”

Debate will meet again at the KSHSAA State tournament next weekend.