Barton’s Speech and Debate Team members finishing the season include, left to right, Sunny Branick, Russell; Nathan Weiss and Danielle Reisner, both of Hoisington; Margaret Gabelmann, Great Bend; and Scott Myers, Larned; with forensics instructor Jason Edgar. Not pictured are Courtney Hensley, Lyons, and David Bowers, Buhler.

For more information, contact Jason Edgar, 620-786-1153.

May 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepared by: Linda Jerke

Barton Forensics Team Places First Among Community Colleges at National Tournament

The Barton County Community College Speech and Debate Program completed its winning season April 6 placing first among community colleges in the Lincoln Douglas Open Championship at Washburn University in Topeka. This was the first year for the LDOC, which is a self-sustaining division of the National Forensics Association.

With its first-place achievement at this tournament, Barton became the LDOC community college national champion. The team was led by David Bowers, Buhler sophomore, who placed first among community college competitors and placed 16th nationally in overall speaking.

“This is an exciting award for David and for Barton,” said Jason Edgar, Barton’s forensics instructor. “David showed real leadership this weekend in leading our team to this prestigious award.”

Edgar serves as a member of the 2008 LDOC board. Other schools with representatives on the board include the University of Alabama, Texas Tech, Washburn University and Middle Tennessee State University.

After competing in 11 tournaments in a span of seven months, Barton’s speech and debate students have ended their second season with 90 individual awards and five team sweepstakes awards. “We accomplished every goal we set this year,” Edgar said. “All of my students’ hard work and effort over the past year has really paid off.”

Students in the Barton Forensics and Debate Program include Nathan Weiss, Hoisington sophomore; Sunny Branick, Russell sophomore; Margaret Gabelmann, Great Bend sophomore; Scott Myers, Pawnee Heights sophomore; David Bowers, Buhler sophomore; Danielle Reisner, Hoisington freshman; and Courtney Hensley, Lyons freshman.

The team will open its next season by co-hosting the second annual Debates on a Plain Tournament Sept. 26 with Sterling College on Barton’s campus.