(Photo submitted) Okoboji-Spirit Lake debaters rank among the top 35 nationally and turned in another successful showing at the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Nationals in Las Vegas.

Melissa Osman and Leah Hilsabeck argued their way to a 14th place finish June 16-20 at the National Forensic League Speech and Debate Nationals in Las Vegas.

The Public Forum debaters discussed "Resolved: United States policies established after 9/11 have substantially reduced the risk of terrorist acts against the United States." The OSL seniors were undefeated with two splits in six preliminary debates.

They joined 79 other teams who "broke" or advanced to elimination rounds. The team's main focus of the debate was the risk of new terrorist attacks. The issues debated included the effectiveness of homeland security, air safety measures, and the effectiveness of the global war on terror in reducing the risk of terrorist acts to Americans.

Osman and Hilsabeck managed to debate six elimination rounds before being knocked off on a 2-1 decision to the team from Monsignor Kelly Catholic of Beaumont, Texas who went on to finish 2nd.

Competitors from all 50 states and several foreign countries made up the original 278 competitors who qualified at 1 of 99 National Forensic League Districts. More than 4,000 teams started the competition at the district level.

"These girls have left quite a legacy for OSL debate," said coach Greg Stevens. "They are two-time, undefeated state champions, tied for 10th in the nation, and stayed good friends doing it. Hilsabeck also went 12 rounds in this tournament two years ago with a different partner, and Osman has become the best speaker we've ever had."

CJ Miller also participated in Nationals in Student Congress. He was the top placing Senator from Iowa, but he did not advance to elimination rounds.

"I am really proud of CJ," Stevens said. "He did everything we asked him to do, but unfortunately, some of them weren't the right things. CJ worked hard."

This was the 12th trip to nationals for OSL debate, and OSL debaters have qualified for Nationals in Public Forum debate for the past five years finishing in the top 35 all five times while compiling a 58-14 preliminary round record.

OSL debate is coached by Stevens, Sarah Jans, and Brad Noethe.