Debate ended their season with one qualifier for state, sophomore Ethan Ford. However, Ford was not able to compete, due to the lack of a qualifying partner.

“It was certainly devastating,” Ford said. “But it was my first year qualifying so I was not too disappointed.”

Although Baldwin normally produces competitors at state, coach Catherine Lewis was not discouraged with the season’s outings.

“It went well,” Lewis said. “Maybe not as well as in the past because we did not have anybody at state, but our novices did well. Simon (Beach) and Phillip (Carroll) finished sixth at a tournament.”

Ford also believed the season went well.

“As a whole, it was very successful,” Ford said. “Our younger students put in a lot of work.”

The debaters worked throughout the fall semester, having in-class debates once a week. They would also present research on their topic every two weeks.

The topic for next year has been released: economic engagement with countries in Latin America.

The novices will gain more experience before next year, and Lewis is excited for the coming season.

“We will be really competitive next year,” Lewis said. “It should be good.”