Sterling College, Sterling, Kansas, March 9, 2009 - The Sterling College Debate Team regained the title of State Champions at the State Parliamentary Debate Tournament at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas. Individually, senior JD Smith of Hutchinson was named the top speaker at the tournament; sophomore Emily Graham of Hutchinson placed third; and freshman Jessica Brayton of Lyons placed fourth. In addition to these top finishers, the team was anchored by senior Marcus Pitts of Sterling; sophomore David Bowers of Hutchinson; and freshman Ryan Corwin of Sterling. The SC team amassed a 12-3 record en route to the state title.
This State Championship marks the second in the last three years for SC. Coach Ken Troyer commented, “Winning the state championship is confirmation of the level of success the team achieved all season—it was rewarding to see it all come together at the state level.”