From the balconies in the Minnesota State House of Representatives Chamber, visitors to the Minnesota State Capitol could look down and see St. Francis Congressional Debate Members arguing their points to fellow competitors on October 26.  With a team of young competitors, Congressional Debate Coach Mark Thul saw this season as of one of major growth, and really about invigorating students with debate.

“This has been a very positive experience,” explained Junior Lauren Handzel, who has been on the team since her Freshman year.  Looking forward to their last tournament in a few weeks, the team hopes to continue growing and learning more about effective debating.  National Qualifiers, which will be held in December, will be the last opportunity for the team to debate this year.

As for their experience at the State Capitol this past week?
“It’s awesome for the kids to be doing the activity where it’s done,” said Thul.