OHS debaters reach octofinals at State

Two Cross Examination [CX] debate teams from Olney High School competed at the state University Interscholastic League contest at the University of Texas at Austin this year, finishing among the top sixteen teams in Texas last weekend.

The team of senior Allie Barrington and junior Joselyn Marquez and the team of freshmen Maddox Johnson and Foster Sullivan advanced to state after the Feb. 6 District matchups. The two Olney teams were in the top 16 of 43 teams in 2A CX Debate.

At the District UIL meet in Holliday, Ms. Barrington placed first with perfect speaker points throughout the meet.

Debate coach Lani Caffey said the senior finished in a blaze of glory and leaves a lasting contribution to the CX Debate program at OHS.

“Allie is a senior and a four-year debater. She is ending her debate career on a high note,” Mrs. Caffey said. “I could not be more proud of her work ethic, her search skill, her confidence, and all the growth she has shown.”

Ms. Marquez was a two-year Lincoln-Douglas debater who switched to CX this year. “That’s a huge jump but she has exceeded my expectations,” Mrs. Caffey said. “I’m so excited that she will be back to dominate next year.”

Ms. Marquez and Ms. Barrington won the District championship this year in CX Debate.

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sullivan represented the first freshman team that Mrs. Caffey has taken to the State UIL contest.

The boys scored a second-place win at the District competition. “Maddox and Foster have made history by being my first freshman team to advance to octofinals,” Mrs. Caffey said. “They have done an awesome job this year, and I’m so excited that they have three more years ahead of them.”

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sullivan were the Runner Up team at the UIL District contest in CX Debate in February.