(Milford)– Okoboji-Spirit Lake debaters brought home two trophies and two bids to the Tournament of Champions from the Mid-America Cup held at West Des Moines Valley High School September 25-26. The event attracted more than 70 teams from 17 states.
After six preliminary rounds, OSL had two teams qualify for the elimination rounds. Maggie Rohlk and Kala Prachar were the 8th seed and Joe Bartlett and Conner Ave were the 4th seed. In the quarterfinals, Rohlk and Prachar defeated the number one seed from Millard North High School. In the quarters match-up Bartlett and Ave defeated Des Moines Roosevelt. The two teams matched up in the semi-finals. Bartlett and Ave advances but lost the final round.
All teams who advanced to the semi-finals received a bid to the Tournament of Champions to be held in Lexington, Kentucky the first Saturday in May.
OSL debaters also dominated the Sioux City Sue debate tournament at Sioux City West High School.
Connor Ave won the student congress portion of the tournament over 20 other debaters from across northwest Iowa.
Katie Johnson and Margaret Delaney competed in congress for the first time. Johnson finished 6th.
OSL had only first time debaters competing in public debate. The team of Dallas Clark and Miranda Johnson finished as the 2nd best novice team, and 5th overall. Sara Mayer and Haley Bushee finishing as the 3rd best novice team.
Coach Greg Stevens says the highlight of the tournament came in the Lincoln-Douglas division where OSL captured 1st-6th and 8th place.
