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Two GCHS juniors headed to national debate tourney
Published 2/8/2012 in Local News
By RACHAEL GRAY
rgray@gctelegram.com
Jacyn Dawes and Alex Villagran have views on different ends of the political spectrum.
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Brad Nading/Telegram Garden City High School juniors Jacyn Dawes, left, and Alex Villagran will be competing in the national debate tournament.
But their different opinions are what makes them great debate partners, the duo say.
Dawes and Villagran, both 17 and juniors at GCHS, have qualified to participate in the National Forensic League debate tournament June 10 through 15 in Indianapolis.
The two qualified in December in Newton at the NFL-qualifying tournament.
Since both are juniors, they say the national tournament will be a learning experience. They'll be competing against more than 200 teams.
Villagran said the team's hard work has paid off this year.
"We were so close last year and worked so hard. Everything paid off in the end," he said.
This is Villagran and Dawes' second year as a team. Last year, the two were three places off from qualifying for nationals.
Villagran and Dawes say qualifying for nationals was the goal this year, and they've worked hard to get where they are.
Among the topics the two like to debate, they say China and nuclear war have landed them some top slots.
"We enjoy blowing up the world, and saving it, too," Dawes said, and laughed.
The two must argue for and against a topic during debate rounds.
Dawes and Villagran say they like to argue — both against teams and with each other.
"We have totally different political opinions. I'm more of a Democrat, and Jacyn's views are more Republican. But we go with whatever is going to win us a round," Villagran said.
Dawes agreed.
"The fact that we're so different makes us compatible," she said.
Russ Tidwell, debate and forensic coach, said the two make quite a team.
"I think they have a good, interactive relationship. They both have the same goals, and their skills complement each other," he said.
He said Villagran tends to be more technical, and Dawes is more persuasive.
"And they both push each other," he said.
Tidwell said the two have earned their spot at nationals.
"I'm just proud of them. They are a great example of two kids who wanted to do something and worked hard to do it," he said.
Tidwell said after the debate team graduated so much talent last May, this was a rebuilding year. But the team has come on strong at the end, he said.
Both Villagran and Dawes are hopeful for nationals.
"The competition will be a great experience. Even if we don't do that well, we'll learn from it and do better next year," Villagran said.
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