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Draper Journal

Juan Diego Debate Duo Rated Top 10 In Nation

May 15, 2015 02:58PM ● By Julie Slama

Juan Diego policy debate team students and coaches smile with the results at the recent national tournament in Las Vegas. Pictured are Coach Rachel Carlson, Nicole Blaber, Gabe Lewis, Marley Dominguez, Clare McGraw, Coach Khalid Sharif and Emi Solorzano. Photo courtesy of Tony Johnson

Juan Diego Catholic High policy debaters, sophomore Nicole Blaber and senior Gabe Lewis, finished ninth out of the 100 best teams in the country at a recent debate tournament.

At the 2015 National Debate Coaches National Championships at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas April 11-14, 2015, the team debated to the topic, “Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its exploration and/or development of the earth’s oceans.” 

 Both Juan Diego students were on the list of top speakers at the tournament, coach Tony Johnson said.

“It was a great way to end Gabe’s career,” Johnson said. “He ended up beating his archrival from Rowland Hall to advance to the round of 16. I could not be happier about his dedication, leadership and competitive success.”

Unlike some other tournaments, Johnson said this tournament required participants to submit their competitive record in order to qualify.

“Getting to the tournament is a great accomplishment in and of itself,” he said.

He also said that the sophomore pair of Clare McGraw and Marley Dominguez were one of the few sophomores to earn a winning record at the entire tournament.

Juan Diego debate team next travels to the 2015 Tournament of Champions in Lexington, Ky.