The Fairfield High School Forensics team captured the Heart of the Plains League Championship for the second consecutive year, overcoming a one-point deficit heading into finals to defeat Pratt Skyline High School 225–210 at the league meet hosted at Skyline. The Falcons’ performance also set a new school record with 19 students advancing to finals, where competitors must place among the top six in their event. The championship continues a season of growth for Fairfield and secures enough state qualifications for the team to send a full entry to the 1A State Forensics Meet in McPherson on May 2.
Coach Will Dutton credited the team’s determination in a tightly contested competition. “It’s an amazing achievement and going into the League tournament I knew we were in second behind a strong Pratt Skyline team,” Dutton said. “The winning margin of 12 points is one of the closest I’ve ever seen or been a part of, so major credit to our kids for fighting for every point out there as we needed them all to overcome Skyline on their own school campus.”
Fairfield earned multiple league championships, including Kora Zongker in Impromptu Speaking and Poetry, Haylie Thomas in Program Oral Interpretation, Brodie Snodgrass and William McIver in Improvised Duet Acting, and Gavin Foster and Kora Zongker in Duet Acting. The Falcons also posted numerous runner-up and top-six finishes across events such as Extemporaneous Speaking, Informative Speaking, Serious Solo Acting, Prose, Oration, and more, contributing to the team’s record-setting total of finalists.
Dutton noted the season has been defined by students trying new events and steadily improving. “It’s been a season of growth and committing to trying new things,” he said. “Several new students and several returners competed in new events. I’m seeing many of the students have fun and improve, which is awesome to see.”
The league title also marks a milestone for the program, as Fairfield will send a full 16-entry team to the state championship for the first time in recent memory. “I wasn’t sure this would be possible my first season back in 2024, but thanks to a combination of talented students and hard work we find ourselves here,” Dutton added. “Last year we finished eighth out of 36 schools, and I’m hopeful we can match or surpass those marks.”