csantee@journalnet.com

POCATELLO - Three members of Century High School's debate team who qualified for the National Forensic League Speech Tournament in Birmingham, Ala., this summer are exited about more than the competition.

They're also looking forward to their first trip to Dixieland.

"I don't really know what it's like, so we will get first-hand experience," said senior Andrew Marquette. "I guess it doesn't get more South than Birmingham, Ala."

Marquette and junior Alyson Gigger will compete in Lincoln-Douglas debate. Junior Chris Hirning will compete in Student Congress Legislation, in which contestants introduce bills. The qualifying tournament was at Shelley High School earlier this month, and nationals will be June 14-19.

Gigger said debate gives her an opportunity to continually learn about contemporary issues. The process of arguing with others allows her to see points of view she never considered.

"Sometimes it's frustrating because you don't ever come to a conclusion," Gigger said.

She and Marquette recently debated about international courts and whether or not the United States should participate in them.

Hirning's topics involve any current legislative issues.

Scott Nelson, who teaches speech communication at Century, has built a successful debate program at the school. Last year, senior Tom Delahante and junior Michael Schultz earned fifth place in the duo interpretation category, the highest recognition ever in debate for public high schools students from Idaho.

Most often, those who place on the national level attend private college preparatory schools.

Nelson said that given the way Schultz and Delahante hit the proverbial ball out of the park, it's exciting his students are still willing to step up to the plate.

Students from other District 25 high schools also qualified for the national tournament, but their debate coaches couldn't be reached for comment Monday.