Debaters do well at state

Lometa debate team members advancing to the State Cross Examination Meet this week were (left to right) Jessica Brooks, Elisha Whisenhunt, Cassidy Wienecke and Colt Maldonado.

The Lometa Cross Examination Debate teams left their mark at the Feb. 4 District 29A competition in Richland Springs.

In only its second year of existence, the Lometa CX program claimed the top spot and a state berth.

Following up on its qualification, Lometa made the trip to the State Cross Examination Meet in Austin earlier this week.

At district, the team of sophomore Jessica Brooks, a first-year debater, and her partner, returning qualifier junior Elisha Whisenhunt, performed well. Success was theirs for the taking as they marked an undefeated 4-0 competition slate to claim the top spot at district.

State competition proved stiff, and the team posted a respectable 2- 2 record but did not break into the finals.

"We are a young program and are making great strides in achieving the goals we have set for ourselves," said debate coach Cheri Wienecke. "Our speaker points are improving, and our knowledge of debate is broadening. Even though we did not advance past the first day, I can be nothing other than proud of Jessica and Elisha. They are a very talented team and proved that they are ready to leave their mark."

The Lometa team of Colt Maldonado and Cassidy Wienecke, both freshmen, also had a fruitful year.

Placing third at district, the team served as the district's alternate. Until last Friday, it appeared alternate was the spot in which they would remain, but when the second place Richland Springs team pulled out of the state competition, Maldonado and Wienecke stepped into their place. Competing at the state's highest level, they posted a 1-3 record.

"Colt and Cassidy were thrown into the state tournament at the last minute. They did an admirable job of pulling their case together and gave everything they had to each round," said Mrs. Wienecke.

"It was a valiant effort by a young and inexperienced team."

With state competition now past, the Lometa CX teams are focusing on the upcoming year's debate topic on the development of alternative fuels.

"The kids are very excited to pursue their interest in this field. It is a topic they have explored through a number of their FFA speaking competitions, and they are ready to put their knowledge to use in their cases," said the coach.

"It is exciting for me to know that I have teams ready and willing to work before we have even made it home from state," she added.