Debaters from Lawrence’s high schools scored high finishes at last weekend’s 6A state tournament in Garden City.

Free State High School seniors Kate Falkenstien and Wes Phipps finished third in the two-speaker division.

Lawrence High School’s four-speaker team of seniors Laura Williams, Carmen Caffey, Erin Thimmesch, Rachel Van Horn and Trudy Curley finished fourth. LHS juniors Sara Yilmaz and Maddie Neet finished 17th out of 74 teams in the two-speaker division.

Free State had four other students qualify for the tournament, and six other LHS students also competed.

Free State’s coach Jo Ball said the weekend capped successful debate careers for Falkenstien and Phipps.

“They really love the activity and take it and run with it,” she said.

Jeff Plinsky, the LHS coach, said the seniors on the four-speaker team and next year’s returning juniors have helped the program improve. “As a squad, we took a big step forward this year,” he said.