The collegiate debate and forensics season began with Sterling College winning the tournament they co-hosted with Hutchinson Community College. Debates on a Plain took place Sept. 26-27 in Hutchinson with 19 in the parliamentary debate, 31 teams in the Lincoln-Douglas debate and 22 teams in the forensics tournament.

The duo of Brandon Hoesli of Salina, Kansas, and Kalina Garfolo of Wichita, Kansas, were undefeated on the weekend, finishing an 8-0 run by handing Kansas Wesleyan another defeat in parliamentary debate. Hoesli was named top speaker overall. Cody Campbell of Buckeye, Arizona, and Ashley Wood of Great Bend, Kansas, also picked up additional wins in parliamentary and international parliamentary debate.

Sterling College took four of the top eight places in Lincoln-Douglas debate, easily winning the team sweepstakes. Bryce Harner of Hutchinson, Kansas, took first place individually, followed by Hoesli in second place. Gage Brookman of Hutchinson, Kansas, also advanced to the semifinals with a 5-2 record. Darren Kootz-Eades of Great Bend, Kansas, finished with a 4-2 record for fifth place.

Four Sterling College students also placed in their forensics topics. Kerry Balch of Yukon, Oklahoma, competed in program of oral interpretation; Nicole Ellerman of Topeka, Kansas, competed in dramatic interpretation and program of oral interpretation; Lexi Rutberg of Fort Collins, Colorado, competed in impromptu speaking; and Sarah Wagler of Yoder, Kansas, competed in poetry and impromptu speaking.

“Our team had an excellent start to the season. We have a lot of new students on the team, so I hope that starting with a strong win is a sign of future success. We are looking forward to competing in the "Ocho" debate tournament this coming weekend on the Lafayette College campus in Easton, Pennsylvania,” said Ken Troyer, director of debate and forensics at Sterling College.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.