Dear Colleagues,

The Lincoln East Speech and Debate Teams, parents, and coaches invite you to attend our 24th annual Spartan Invitational Speech & Debate Tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 17-18, 2012.

For two decades the Spartan Invitational has provided challenging competition in a wide range of forensic events, and this year's tournament will be no exception. In 2011 we welcomed 40 schools from three states and anticipate similar participation this year.  We offer competitive experiences in Lincoln-Douglas, Cross Examination, and Public Forum Debates, Individual Events and Student Congress. We are pleased to announce that the Spartan Invitational is a NIETOC Qualifying Tournament this year, and we offer a Tournament of Champions bid in Public Forum Debate at finals. We will feature two finals divisions in Individual Events (Champ and Honors), as well as a combined sweepstakes award for schools participating in all competitive areas (speech, debate, and congress).

In addition to top-notch competition, our concession stand and judges'/coaches' lounge will feature a cornucopia of wholesome (and not-so-wholesome) fare on both tournament days.  We want to treat you and your students to the best overall tournament experience possible.

For Nebraska schools the Spartan Invite offers a final chance to see how your team stacks up before state and national qualifiers.  For out-of-state schools we promise tough competition, a different judging pool, and events that might be unique to your students.  To everyone we offer a well-run, on-time tournament with good food, good judging, and nice awards. 

If you have questions about the 2012 Spartan Invitational, please don't hesitate to contact us.  Good luck as the season progresses, and we sincerely hope to see you in February!

TOURNAMENT STAFF

SPEECH – DUTCH FICHTHORN LEHS – 402 436 1302 – dficht@lps.org

DEBATE – TONI HEIMES LSWHS – 402 436 1306 – theimes@lps.org