Sophomores Matthew Hernandez (left) and True Head (right) took home the championship medals

Athens High School sophomores True Head and Matthew Hernandez brought home some very impressive medals from the 4A UIL Cross-Examination Debate championship this past weekend in Austin.

This was a back-to-back state championship for Athens High School. Head and Hernandez partnered up to debate against other Texas schools during the weekend-long debate after qualifying by placing first in their district. By the quarter finals, they where the youngest students still debating on Saturday. The final debate topic was over whether or not the United States should increase the exploration of the ocean.

After the flip of a coin, Head and Hernandez had to discuss the negative effects of continued exploration of the ocean. Their argument was that the plan was flawed. After a long debate and a 16-judge vote, the Athens sophmores took home their medals was champions for the UIL Cross-Examination Debate at UT Austin. Lindale High School also won a state championship in conference 5A.