Having competed in its second weekend tournament, the Manhattan High School Forensics team kept individual scores high while qualifying for State Championships in April.

Starting on Friday in Congressional Debate, senior Nathan McClendon, junior Sean McGimpsey and sophomore Lily Colburn all broke to finals while senior Cathy Lei was elected as Presiding Officer.

“We didn’t take as many people [as last time], so not as many people made it to finals,” Colburn said, “but we still did all right.”

Heading back to Washburn Rural last Saturday, competitors finished off the tournament by placing in multiple acting and speech events. McClendon placed first in Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking and Original Oration and second in Impromptu Speaking. Colburn also received high wins with straight ones throughout the Junior Varsity Extemporaneous Speaking, placing first and qualifying for State.

“[Qualifying for State is] kind of relaxing, I guess, because now I’m not as nervous,” Colburn said. “But hopefully I can qualify in my other events as well.”

Despite the small numbers in the team, Manhattan High was still able to show the dedication they host towards the competition.

“It was a strong effort all around. I was very proud of them,” coach Ben Sutherland said.