The GCHS team finished the tournament just two points behind third-place winner, America Leadership Academy, and 12 points behind the second-place finisher, Richfield.
Maeser Prep won the state title for the fourth consecutive year.
Several GCHS debate team members turned in strong performances, Bryan said. Maren Larsen, a senior, took first place in the Impromptu competition while senior Mary Rice placed second in Extemporaneous Speaking and third in Lincoln/ Douglas. GCHS freshman Emilia Cubelos finished third in Spontaneous Argumentation.
Also placing among the top six in their categories were the Public Forum team of Maren Larsen and Nat Smith and Spontaneous Argumentation competitor Kris Kemp, who took sixth place. Top 10 finishers were Public Forum team members Anna Scherer and Deanna Irvine, Anna Scherer in Impromptu, Stacey Andrus in Lincoln/ Douglas, seniors Sarah Quigley and Dexter Sheets in Oratory, and Robyn Willschedt and Kris Kemp in Extemporaneous Speaking. Ember Green and Diana Irvin in Congress and Emma Sweeney in Impromptu also scored points for Grand.
Grand’s coaches – Bryan, Sarah Sidwell and Ryan Hand – praised the team members for their efforts. Bryan thanked the school administration, parents, community members and his co-coaches for the help and dedication they have shown this season. Bryan announced that he is retiring as the debate coach.