Tate Pew Takes Second at Golden Eagle Debate Tourney

Milbank debaters started their second season of the school year at the Golden Eagle Cup debate tournament  at Central High in Aberdeen on January 9-10. Tate Pew made the stage by taking second place in Novice Extemp.  

Kathy Tyler, head coach for the Bulldogs, said, “It was Tate’s second attempt at extemp, and he is doing very well.” Tate also competed in varsity Lincoln-Douglas. He finished with a 2-4 record.  Cam’ron Graham and Elexia Quintanilla, competing in varsity Public Forum; and Kinley VanHoorn and Bella Hicks, competing in novice Public Forum, also all acquired 2-4 records.

Tyler commented, “The Lincoln-Douglas resolution for January and February has provided a lot of discussion and soul searching at practices. PF’ers have learned about China and the Belt Road Initiative while researching pro and con cases for the Public Forum resolution.” Tyler also added, “Did you know that fish are a natural resource?”

Lincoln-Douglas Debate – 2026-January/February

Resolved: The possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.

A total of 682 coaches and 2,996 students voted for the resolution. The winning resolution received 57 percent of the coach vote and 62 percent of the student vote.

Public Forum Debate – January 2026 Topic 

Resolved: The People’s Republic of China should substantially reduce its international extraction of natural resources.

A total of 681 coaches and 3,127 students voted for the resolution. The winning resolution received 67 percent  of the coach vote and 62 percent of the student vote. 

Public Forum Debate – February 2026 Topic

Resolved: The Federal Trade Commission should establish a federal regulatory framework for sports betting.

A total of 324 coaches and 1,153 students voted for the resolution. The winning resolution received 60 percent of the coach vote and 45 percent of the student vote.

What’s next? MHS debaters head to the Lincoln Silver Bowl meet at Lincoln High in Sioux Falls on Saturday, January 17.