Just last Saturday, Sept. 22, the Elk Grove debate team won first place at the Hersey High School tournament. The first tournament means the first big win for this congressional debate team. Though some key team members more prominently aided for the win, it was largely a team effort.

“Upon winning the Hersey tournament, I felt proud and happy for my team and school, but I also felt personally disappointed in how, I, myself did at the Tournament,” said sophomore Ethan Castro.

At the tournament, debate judges nominate the best competitors in each chamber. Those select few are also the highest scorers. Senior and debate captain Harry Patel won first in his chamber, as well as junior Ashika Shah and seniors Anna Dowd, Brandon Medina and Ronak Patel. Ronak Patel, the other debate captain, won as the best presiding officer.

It’s the first debate achievement for the new head coach, Tim Phillips. The team won a first place trophy for their outstanding performance. Members and coaches alike have high hopes for tournaments to come.

“I also want to congratulate the EGHS debate team and hope that we can keep up the victories, Castro said. “I hope to do better than at the Hersey Tournament so I can better represent my school.”

By: Morgan Loxley