The Friendswood High School Speech & Debate team achieved significant success at the recent UIL District Cross-Examination Debate tournament. Under the guidance of Coach Jose Rivera, the team celebrated multiple victories, with two pairs of students now advancing to the state championship.
In the fiercely competitive event, the team of Bailee Kettler and Tristan Rabie clinched the 2nd place title, showcasing their ability to dissect complex topics and present compelling arguments under pressure. Their performance was closely followed by the team of Charlie Tran and Sajenesh Sudhakar, who secured a commendable 3rd-place finish.
The highlight of the tournament was Camille Arthur and Ishan Pendyala, who emerged victorious, securing the 1st place position. Their synergy, analysis, and delivery set them apart from their peers, delivering a triumph for Friendswood High School.
Expressing pride and enthusiasm for the students’ accomplishments, Coach Jose Rivera stated, “These young debaters have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Their ability to articulate thoughts clearly and respond to challenging questions is commendable. I’m confident that they will represent Friendswood High with distinction at the UIL State Championship.”
These teams will continue to prepare for the upcoming UIL Cross-Examination Debate State Championship, where Bailee Kettler/Tristan Rabie and Camille Arthur/Ishan Pendyala will represent Friendswood High School. Their journey is a testament to the rigorous training, strategic preparation, and academic excellence fostered within the Speech & Debate program at Friendswood High.
As these talented students prepare for the next phase of the competition, they carry the unwavering support of their coach, teammates, and educators. The UIL State Championship promises to be a platform where the skills, intellect, and determination of Friendswood’s finest debaters will be showcased on a larger stage.
