Tiger debaters find success at two events

The Fort Scott debate squad traveled in two directions on Saturday. One group stayed close to home, competing at St. Mary's Colgan while the other headed 2 1/2 hours west to Leon-Bluestem.

The Colgan group ended the day with a third-place sweepstakes finish off the strong efforts of novice partners Jentry Cruse/Thomas Nighswonger (4-1, fourth) and Camden Stiles/Trenton Sinn (3-2, seventh).

At Bluestem, the squad matched the third-place sweepstakes effort by finding success at the open level. Taylor Watkins and Tyler Slinkard paired up to end in second place, 4-1 overall. They were joined by Gage Addington and novice partner, Jacob Pemberton, who placed sixth with their 3-2 effort.

"Many of the students are continuing to grow each weekend," Fort Scott head coach Brian Weilert said. "Not all of them are on board, but at this point, with Regionals and State approaching, we are starting to focus on the students who want to compete and improve. I am still confident we will continue to get better and make a run at the end of the season."