Over the weekend, the Sterling College debate and forensics team successfully co-hosted and competed in the 7th annual Debates on a Plain Invitational. This tournament featured 19 colleges and universities from across the nation, including over 600 entries. 

“Hosting the season-opening tournament is always a blessing and a curse. It’s great, because everyone is excited to kick things off, but with hosting a tournament, you spend weeks in advance in preparation, which detracts from time you could be practicing,” said Ken Troyer, director of debate and forensics.

The Sterling College parliamentary debate team of Tyler Brotton of Newton, Kan., and Darren Kootz-Eades of Great Bend, Kan., finished the tournament with a 3-2 record, earning the pair 5th place overall. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, senior Jacob Skala of Newton, Kan., finished with a 5-2 record, advanced to the semifinal round and placed 3rd overall. Junior Brandon Hoesli of Salina, Kan., finished with a 5-1 overall record, dropping a split decision in quarterfinals against the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Freshman Anna Kalnina of Pratt, Kan., who was bumped up to the varsity division, also competed in the opening weekend and fared well against more experienced competition.

The team will be traveling to Easton, Pa., Oct. 4–6, to compete in the Lafayette debate tournament, one of the largest Lincoln-Douglas debate tournaments hosted each fall that attracts powerhouse teams from the East Coast and the Midwest.

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