214@100: Wheeling debaters no strangers to national competition

From district awards to becoming national qualifiers to finishing in the top nine in the nation, the Congressional debate team at Wheeling High School has done it all. In 1985, Mike Hurley became the coach and created the new team, congressional debate, also known as Student Congress or Legislative Debate - a form of interscholastic high school debate in the United States.

Since then, the team has achieved 10 state titles. On three different occasions, students qualified for nationals out of the district competition, and finished in the top nine.

"That speaks very highly of the individuals as well as the coaching and preparation that goes into it," Hurley said.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that have shaped the school district's unique history. To contribute an idea, send an email to district214@dailyherald.com.