Derby debate placed second behind Washburn Rural at Wichita East’s four-speaker regional tournament. Seniors Noah Graham, Alec Hinecker and Hunter Skelton, along with sophomores Brianna Hassell and Kya Nethercot qualified for the state tournament.

“At the beginning of my sophomore year, I didn’t think I would go to any varsity tournaments at all, let alone a qualifying tournament,” Hassell said. “I thought I was going to debate open all year. Plot twist: I haven’t been to a single open tournament.”

Novice debaters through four years can debate in open. The five Derby debaters all competed on varsity this year — it was Hinecker and Skelton’s second year on varsity, Graham’s third.

Hassell debated with Graham and Hinecker debated with Skelton at the tournament this weekend. Nethercot was the alternate.

It was the first tournament that Graham and Hinecker have not debated with each other since sophomore year.

“We split up at this tournament to help develop the team,” Graham said.

For Hassell, debating with Graham added some pressure because he has had experience debating varsity for three years.

“I have never debated at a tournament with him before, and I definitely don’t think I would have done as well without him,” Hassell said. “I was really happy to hear we qualified. I was really nervous that I would mess up and cost Noah his chance to qualify.”

The regional tournament was different from a regular tournament because teams were only affirmative or only negative for the tournament, compared to a regular tournament where teams alternate between sides.

“The tournament to me was really fun because of all the interesting arguments that were made, and the other schools’ teams were all good,” Hassell said.

Graham added: “This tournament was not one of the more stressful of the season. There were some good teams there, but we were confident in ourselves and got some good debates.”

The state tournament is Jan. 12-13.

“Qualifying feels great, and I am super excited to go to state,” Hassell said. “I am also extremely nervous for the tournament.”

Graham added: “It’s always good to be around my friends and debate.”