By Drew Mastin
Vanguard Review staff reporter

Viking debaters made a strong showing at their first tournament of the year on Saturday, Sept. 10 at Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Temple. Junior Garrett Faulkenbery took first place in Impromptu, second place in Lincoln-Douglas and second place in Public Forum Debate as part of a team with senior Elizabeth Powell. Garrett and Elizabeth also took home the honors of Top Speaking team.

The keys to Vanguard’s success are experience and tradition, said debate coach Jim Parten.

“Debate is a Vanguard tradition,” Parten said. “From year to year, there has been a core group who have been mentors to the younger debaters and that is a true asset.”

Other winners were sophomore Reece Thompson with a fourth place honor in Lincoln-Douglas and freshman novice Jeffery Bolte a fifth place in Lincoln Douglas and a sixth place win in Impromptu.

“It was fun to be part of it,” Bolte said. “The Vanguard debate team has a strong reputation because we have good teachers and experienced debaters who know how to manipulate information to their advantage.”

Sophomore Hal Koelsch and freshmen Chandler Smith, Lloyd Alcorn, James Henderson and Mirko Murillo also represented the team.

The team will travel to compete in Mexia Saturday, Sept. 17.