Milbank Novice Debaters Compete in Brookings Debate Contest

Milbank novice debaters kicked off the 2009-2010 debate season by attending
a novice debate contest in Brookings on November 3rd. This year's policy topic
is Resolved: That the United States Federal Government should substantially
increase social services to people living in poverty in the United States.
Schools competing were Milbank, Watertown, Aberdeen Central, and Brookings.

In the Switch sides Novice A division, John Ward and Tim Whelan tied for
first with a 3-0 record. Seth Phillips and Jesse Nelson finished tied for third
with a record of 2-1 and Emma Christensen and Cheyenne Voeltz were 1-2.
In the Novice B division, Brock Rudebusch and Brandi Neidiert were on the
negative side and finished 2-1 as did the negative team of Katie Loutsch and
Jessica Dornbusch. Rebecca Schrupp and Tori Hopkins were 1-2 also on the
negative side. Affirming the resolution were Bailey Slaby and Bailey Neidert
who finished 1-2. Also affirming were Teammates Ryan Hepper and Austin Berens
as well as Alicia Bublitz and Courtney Trapp.

"I am proud of the speakers' efforts. Some schools that have gone to the
block schedule have already concluded their debate class where we only are half
over with ours. That is the basis for the work that novice students do. The
MHS teams held their ground in the debates and were eager to listen and learn
from them. To me, that is the sign of a good thinker and a good debater."