The two-day event ended up with two Cooper debaters in the top 4. Sophomore Erik Legried and Senior defending state champion Dan Willey qualified for the two-day event the previous week. Debating the merits of preemptive strikes to prevent nuclear acquisition by dangerous nations, Dan and Erik race to the top of the standings.
Erik finished the preliminary rounds ranked in fourth place and Dan being the top seed. The top 8 students moved to a single elimination bracket to crown the state champion. After winning both of their quarter-final matches, Dan and Erik were paired to meet each other in the Semi-Final debate. In the Semi-Final round, by coaches decision, Dan progressed to the final round where he eventually lost to Eastview's Akshar Rambachan on a 4-3 decision.
This marks the first time in school history Cooper was in the final round in consecutive years at the state tournament and also the first time to have two students in the final four.
The Cooper Debate team is coached by DJ Brynteson. For more information please visit http://www.cooperdebate.com.