Resolved to re-write history
CFHS debate team reaches semi-finals in the state tournament.
CF debaters receive their state semi-finals awards
A spark occurs in the brain as tiny neurons zap each other electrically. These signals in the brain travel at the speed of the universe – the speed of light. As these signals then promote the movement of muscles in the jaw, the slowest part of the process occurs. Sound waves travel out of the debater’s mouth at a whopping 767 wpm (words per minute), and then get reprocessed in the ears of the judge. Throughout this journey, the debater hopes the judge has caught all of the arguments, and might just give them a win in the end.
The Cannon Falls Debate Team had two days to perfect this process, and they came close as they became one of the two semifinals teams (3rd place). Miranda Felton and Grant Schlichting both were ecstatic at their succes. Their topic was ‘Resolved: In order to better respond to international conflicts, the united states should significantly increase its military spending.’
While talking to coach John Fogarty, it was interesting to muse at the achievements the Debate team has accomplished over the years. In 1924, Cannon Falls won state in debate. Speeding up to current times, the past few years have seen a very successful group of debaters. Sydney Earhart and Felton joined together to compete in quarters, and then Felton and Emma Thomley were quarterfinalists in 2016. This was the year Cannon Falls broke the streak, and got one step closer to winning the state contest.
The tournament spanned two days, with four rounds being completed on Friday and then two more on Saturday before quarterfinal rounds. When team 47 Cannon Falls was called the excitement was self-evident. The quarterfinal challenge was daunting as the number 8 seed (Cannon Falls) team drew the first seed Eagan (6 wins, no losses). In true giant killer fashion they beat Eagan, reaching the historic semi-finals plateau. Their advance was put to halt by Edina on a split ballot.
As for what next year will hold, junior Schlichting is going to have to find himself a partner like his predecessors before him, but as Cannon Falls has shown over the past few years, all you have to do is pair two kids together, and watch them take on the world with their wit.
Taking on Tenth grade, trap shooting, speech, skiing, jazz band, band and debate keeps Grant extra busy during the school year. Plus, he's the Lantern's...
