For some students, the first week of school is a chance to ease into the new year, but for the debate team it’s time to compete as they head to east Texas on Thursday for the Back in the Swing tournament.

The 2013-14 school year was the most successful in the history of the debate program with four students competing in national competitions in Minnesota and Kansas. It’s a foundation the team hopes to build on.

“I’m very hopeful for how debate will do this year,” debate coach Tami Parker said. “The students who have returned are very strong juniors and seniors and some sophomores. I have every hope that they will do well this year.”

This weekend’s dual tournaments at Hallsville High School and Van High School are the first chance for students to earn the necessary points to qualify for state.

“Despite the loss of last year’s debate captain our potential this year is greater than it was last year,” National debate qualifier Avery Flessner said. “With the right motivation we can take not only those that made it to nationals last year but more than that.”