Article written by Garrett for the GRHS Howl news

Green River High School’s Speech and Debate Team slowly began to culminate their long, six month season during March with the District and State tournaments. For many, this came with mixed emotions. Some were happy to be able to finally have a weekend off and get a break from the demanding, strenuous season, while others were sad to see the season end and couldn’t wait for the next season to begin. Of course, that was only for those who wouldn’t be graduating. The team had many graduating seniors this year who all had great seasons, yet wouldn’t be returning to compete next year. For these seniors, they would be competing in their last Speech and Debate tournament in high school, and possibly their last ever, which caused for some reflection and sadness as this realization struck them. The close bonds and relationships developed on the team were astounding. Frederick Wittman, a freshman policy debater and extemporaneous speaker, said, “This year's upperclassmen have greatly contributed to my ability to debate in general. They have also been extremely kind and fine examples of leadership. I am proud to have had them for my teachers and mentors. Incredible amounts of time and energy are invested into preparing for these tournaments. From 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. and sometimes even later, members of the team could be found at the high school preparing for their upcoming competitions. Students who participated in any of four debate events – policy, Lincoln-Douglas, public forum, or congressional debate – could be found in computer labs, surrounded by peers. Coaches Carina Coates and Dan Parson viciously researched topics of interest pertaining to their debate topics, printed off vast amounts of evidence to argue their points, and occasionally did mock debates for community judges to gain experience. Students who participated in interpretation events like humor, duet, drama, or poetry would be vigorously performing and acting out their “pieces” for Coach Lisa Shadrick. Also, those in speaking events like oratory and extemporaneous speaking would be refining their public speaking skills and presenting speeches for peers and coaches alike. Despite the mix of feelings flowing around the team, things got extremely hectic as everyone who qualified to compete on the State and District teams increased their work in preparation for the daunting challenges that awaited them. In Speech and Debate, as in any activity, State and Districts, (the equivalent of regionals), are the most important and hardest tournaments in the season. At Districts, competitors can qualify to compete in a National Tournament which will be held in Dallas, TX this year, if they place in the top two in their event. As defending State Champions, the team also felt an extra burden to defend that title and bring home that honor to their small town school. Finally, the first big day came for the work to pay off. The first day of the District Tournament at WWCC in Rock Springs, March 10, was set aside for the Congressional Debaters. The team didn’t qualify anyone to go to Nationals in this event, but they did have two peopleplacas alternatives to go to Nationals if any qualifiers were unable to attend: Ron Walsh and John Mackrell. The next two days, all other events competed. Some people were upset when they were eliminated quickly, but many team members continued farther through the tournament. In the end, only two people qualified to go to Nationals. Well below what the team had hoped for, they were still happy for the Duet qualifiers Will Cronk and Jerry Stott. Jerry also qualified for Nationals in Humor, but can only attend in one event, so he chose to go with his partner, Will. Many other students qualified as alternatives in a variety of events. Overall, as a team, Green River smoked the rest of the competition in the 4A Sweepstakes and won the tournament. When recalling Districts, Davianne Vanderpool, an orator and dramatic interpreter said, “I think that some of our team was given the short end of the stick with judges, but those who won definitely deserved it. After their District tournament accomplishments, the Speech and Debate team moved on to compete at State at LLLC in Cheyenne. This time, they had a limited number of people they could take. Thus, the honorable State Squad consisted of Kaden Hensely, Hannah Wendel, Sarah Harris, Alex Kiedrowski, Ryan Williams, Bethany Jones, Levi Larson, Michelle Hargrove, Ron Walsh, Chrissy Whisonant, Geoff Gunter, Cole Carpenter, Erin Shadrick, Abby Goyn, Will Cronk, and Jerry Stott. All three coaches also attended and Kaleb Cronk went as a Freshmen Manager. In the end, Green River came out victorious as a team and with four individual State Champions: Jerry Stott and Will Cronk in Duet, Erin Shadrick in Poetry, and Sarah Harris, a two time state champion in Oratory. Other top-three placers on the team included Jerry in humor, Geoff and Hannah in Lincoln-Douglas, and Sarah and Chrissy in policy debate. After winning State, the Speech and Debate team was welcomed home late at night, warmly with open arms by their whole community. Freshman Daniel Mulkey seemed pleased and content with how well the team did this year. He said, “The team has done exceptionally well, perhaps the best in years.” Overall, the team had a great season, and hopefully, they will be able to carry on doing just as well, if not better, next year. Written by: Garrett Young