Milbank Hosts Second Annual Doug Tschetter Debate Tournament

The Second Annual Doug Tschetter Novice Debate Championship Tournament was held at Milbank High School on Saturday, January 6. Over 50 students from Sioux Falls Jefferson, Sioux Falls Washington, Aberdeen Central, Brookings, Harrisburg, Lennox, Beresford, and Vermillion attended the tournament. They segregated into 28 Public Forum teams and 16 Lincoln-Douglas debaters.

Judges at the event included over 40 former debaters and community members, who volunteered their time, and some judges who were paid. The number of judges allowed for three judges per round and five judges for the final round—a feat seen only at the state and national qualifying tournaments, according to Kathy Tyler, head coach for MHS. Tyler commented, “It was a true championship tournament for novice debaters.”

In the Lincoln-Douglas division, Milbank’s Bri Hicks made it the semi-final round where she lost 3-0 to the Lincoln-Douglas champion Oscar Muir of Aberdeen.  Milbank’s second Lincoln-Douglas debater, Izabella Glomstad, placed ninth — one position away from reaching the quarter finals.

The top Public Forum team from Milbank was composed of Taylor Hallquist and Jenna Korstjens. They finished with a 2-2 record. The Vermillion team made up of Rylee Nordyke and Nina Jorde  won the Public Forum competition with a perfect record. Milbank’s team of Preston Laskowske and Franklin Pederson finished with a 1-3 record and Carter Folk and Parker Grabow compiled a 0-4 record.

Speaker points, coveted by both students and coaches, are based on the quality of professionalism, presentation, and attitude put forth by each speaker. Preston received two perfect scores of 30 and Bri and Taylor each received one perfect score of 30.

Tyler said the event was another big success. “In the two years of its existence, this tournament has become one that schools want to attend.” According to Tyler, the tournament is opportunity for novice debaters to be rewarded and recognized for their hard work. She also thanked everyone who helped in any way. “You are appreciated!”

The tournament was created to honor the late Doug Tschetter, who served many years as a Milbank teacher and debate coach. As one of the top debate coaches in the nation, he won eight diamonds — a rare accomplishment.

What’s next? The Doug Tschetter Tourney ended the first half of the debate season. The second half begins this Friday and Saturday, January 12-13, at the Lincoln Silver Bowl hosted by Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.