The "Tab Room" where match-ups are planned, judges are assigned, ballots are tallied, and the contestants hopes of "breaking" into the next level of competition are decided.

Kaycee Bloodgood, Mark Evans and Jacqueline Langland work  the "Tab Table" where the Huron helpers offer information to contestants, coaches and judges regarding rounds. " For the most part, things have run smoothely, "said Evans.But the days are long beginning at 7am and running sometimes until midnight. Bloodgood said, "I will bring entertainment the next time I do this.

The host for the State Championships is Huron HS. Coach Mitch Gaffer, Michelle Cain, Ryan Galer, and Josh Tonhager prepare for competition in  Huron's Debate HQ complete with lots of hardware.

Christine Knieff, Brookings and Lindsey Hoff of Watertown participate in a bit of wall practice for the oratory competition. "You do what you gotta do," said Knieff.

A captive audience for contestants at the State Championships.

Nick Hartman, Chris Timmerman and Jeff Billion from Sioux Falls Lincoln emulate Jason Slothbauer who apparently has had dozing off issues.

After witnessing Madison's Friday Risk match, Sioux Fall Washington's Adam Hoier, Matt Hitchcock, Joe Weber, Justin Simundson, Allison Beel, Kyle Park and Kyle Strand,  felt the "nature of the game wasn't truly represented, and started a game of their own. "We know what we are doing," said Hitchcock. A Risk Run-Off  may be planned between the two schools.

Debate fans in the making Dan Payne and Nate Schappelle bear the cold to support their Huron team. Technically the two have yet to actually see a round. "You have to work up to full-fledged debate fanaticism; maybe not this year, but maybe next (we'll see a round)," said Payne.

Vermillion coaches Peggy and Jim Dimock with Anders Fremstad and Liz Slagle stand at the proverbial "evidence stack" and discuss their progress. Jim said, "We work hard and sacrifice a lot personally to create a memorable high school experience for the students."

Jon Hoadley roams between rounds searching for Huron's elusive mascot.

At the state championship award presentions Christy Grant, representing Burger King; Don Threadgold, representing CorTrust Bank; Doug Tschetter, from Milbank; Rich Mittelstedt from Watertown; Ron Grimsley from Mitchell; Steve Bartholomew from RC Stevens and Cory Heidelberger from Montrose. Check the event pages below for award winners.

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