OHS debate team places fifth at state
Olney’s Cross-Examination Debate Team secured a fifth and ninth place spot in the State Championship rounds on the 14th and 15th of March, beating hundreds of other schools in this two person teamed event. Among the Olney Debaters were Adelade Edgington and Allie Barrington, who placed fifth, and Aidyn Bitner and Rodolfo Arce, who placed ninth. This two-day event took place in Austin, Texas, giving all four debaters a chance to visit the state’s capitol.
“Even though I was a little discouraged that we didn’t win, getting fifth place at state is definitely something to be proud of,” Allie Barrington says. “I can’t wait until next year, and until then, we will strive to do better.”
“I was a little disappointed that we placed behind the girls, but if we had to lose to anyone, it would be them,” Rodolfo Arce said. “I’m really glad we all had the opportunity to go that far and that Aidyn had the opportunity to go to state as a freshman. If we did this good as younger debaters, we will definitely crush it when we are more experienced.” Their coach, Lani Caffey, said, “I was so
Their coach, Lani Caffey, said, “I was so proud of my kids. None of them are seniors, yet they all made it to the top 16.”
Because of how hard the competition was, all teams had different strategies for winning and different challenges and hurdles to overcome.
“Something I’ve noticed a lot among debaters is that the more united the team is, and the more the team works together, the better we do,” said Barrington.
“Honestly, the strategy we always use is formatting and working on our speeches so that we know we’ll be better than the rest,” Arce said.
“Among 2-A schools especially, you have to be above all other things polite, humble, and confident in order to secure the victory,” Caffey said.
The teams both won three out of the four rounds they debated on the first day and had to compete against each other the second day, with Barrington and Edgington winning. They all received medals and a plaque signifying their accomplishments.