“Resolved: On balance, Economic Sanctions reduce the Threat Russia poses to Western Interest.” Sanctions on Russia aren’t exactly something that any typical person would want to be arguing about on a Friday and Saturday, but as for Debate students at Cannon Falls High School, they find this as intriguing as it gets. Especially when arguing over it can send their team to ‘Stebate’, or the State Debate Tournament.

This month’s topic pushed students to think over whether sanctions were or weren’t working against Russia. Two Cannon Falls teams, senior Emma Thomley with junior Miranda Felton and senior Matt Moskal sophomore Grant Schlichting passed through sections, earning them a seat at the State Level. “We have one of the toughest sections,” said Debate Coach John Fogarty, who has been coaching the team since 1969. “Overall, I’m glad that they made it this far!”

But sections was not enough, and at the Minnesota State Debate Tournament, Thomley and Felton made it to quarterfinals. Overall, both teams had winning records, with the Moskal/Schlichting team placing ninth and the Thomley/Felton team placing eighth. Felton also achieved seventh best speaker at state, and earned eighth place all-state debater.

Whether or not sanctions have reduced the threat of Russia, Cannon Falls Debaters were able to put their tiny town on the map at the State level.  With two graduating seniors, it will be interesting to see next year what the team has planned, so stay tuned for more debate victories!