Bulldogs Take First in Class A at Brookings Bell Tourney

The Milbank speech and debate team won the Class A sweepstakes trophy at the annual Brookings Bell Tournament held December 20-21. Attendees were encouraged  to dress in holiday attire and to enjoy a photo booth, elf hunt, hot cocoa bar, and other festive touches offered during the tournament. 

Milbank entered 12 team members in 12 different events. Max  Schuelke led the Bulldogs by placing first in the Lincoln- Douglas Debate division. Keira Steffen placed fourth in Student Congress on Friday and took first-place honors in Saturday’s Congress.

Tate Pew also brought home a trophy with his third-place finish in novice Lincoln-Douglas. Charlotte Street took fourth in novice Public Forum. Addison Brown and Miriam Del Angel finished at 1-3; Chavez and Jenna Korstjens and Ky Schwandt finished at 2-3 in novice Public Forum. Cameron Graham and Elexia Quintanilla competed in varsity Public Forum. They compiled a 2-3 record.

Members also competed in other events: Brown in novice Informative Oratory,  Bri Hicks in varsity Lincoln-Douglas and Informative Oratory, Jenna Korstjens in  Informative Oratory,  Trixie Coalter in Point of Information and Dramatic Interp, Izabella Glomstad in varsity Original Oratory, and Tate Pew and Austin Oehler in novice Original Oratory.

Kathy Tyler, head coach for MIlbank said, “Each speaker in each event is given speaker points.To many, this is just as important as winning a round. It exemplifies speaking ability, quick thinking, organization, and sound research. A point ranking of 30 is perfect. Max Schuelke received three perfect scores; Camron Graham and Elexia Quintanilla each earned one.

The Brookings Bell was the last tournament of the first (fall) season for all but the novice debaters. The second season will start in January. It will feature five tournaments before the national qualifier and state championship tournaments. Debaters will have a new resolution. Individual event participants will continue with current projects.

The novice debate season ends on January 11 with the Third Annual Doug Tschetter Novice Championship held in Milbank. This tournament is in honor of the late Doug Tschetter, a longtime Milbank debate coach and nationally known eight-diamond debate coach.

 Past tournaments have drawn over 60 debaters, who compete for trophies, medals, and the title of Novice Champion. According to Tyler, the  tournament requires a lot of  volunteers as Public Forum debate is designed to be judged by lay people. Tyler says, “What a great way to experience firsthand what debate is all about! ” Contact Tyler if you would like to help.

Tyler also added, “The  second season is open to all. If any student wishes to debate or participate in an individual event, please contact me.”