As the spring sports here at Olympia start their season openers, it is important not to forget the accomplishments of other teams on our campus. One of these teams is our fantastic debate team, who are preparing to go to states.

The Titan debate team has more than proven their worth by winning multiple tournaments and trophies, becoming one of the best high school teams in Orange County. Their successes have given them the opportunity to attend the state championships in a couple of weeks.

Sophomore Arman Hunanyan described how he and the team are preparing for this important competition. “We are practicing very often against each other, giving each other more knowledge about the topic, and in general hyping each other up, which works very well,” Hunanyan shared. 

The team puts in a lot of effort to ensure that they are fully ready for states. “We meet after school 2-3 times a week for a few hours to practice our skills, but we also spend hours of our own time at home preparing and prepping for the upcoming state tournament,” junior Lucas Niemes explained.

With the tournament approaching, the team is filled with anticipation and excitement.

“Every time you compete against tougher competition, you get better, sharper, and enhance your debating skills. While we hope to win a trophy or two during the competition, this is also a great opportunity for our students to bring back the enhanced skills that they gain and train our incoming debate team members at a higher level. In essence, we look to keep passing along, the knowledge that varsity gains to enhance the future of the program. Go Titans!” team sponsor Ms. Hirten said.

As the team takes part in states, the team and the members hope to learn something they can use in all their future competitions and tournaments.

“I hope to gain not only more topic knowledge, but also new skills and better my understanding of debate on a varsity state level so that I can perform well at novice state level later this year,” Hunanyan added. 

“I hope to gain a better understanding of how other schools function at a higher level,” sophomore Santiago Bolliano shared.

“I hope to build on my skills and gain valuable experience from the wide range of people that will be at states,” Niemas expressed.

Our Olympia Debate team marked their spot in our high school’s history with their incredible success rate, spectacular teamwork, and top-notch preparation and planning for all tournaments and events. Show your support for our debate Titans as they show what Olympia has to offer at states.