Washburn Rural High School's debate program won its first national championship Thursday at the National Speech and Debate Association contest in Dallas.

The school's two debate teams secured first and second places in a field of 175 teams at the tournament.

"It hasn't really sunk in," said debate coach Tim Ellis. "In almost 15 years of coaching or doing debate, this isn't something I could ever really imagine. The kids have been working really hard for several years, (and) our program is one that has kind of steadily built success."

The two teams who won first and second place are made up of Jake Berry and Jimin Park, both seniors, and Grace Kessler and Raina Peter, both juniors.

Ellis said Berry and Park are excited to have won.

"They have kind of had this on their mind for a little while now that this was one of their goals this season to be successful at this tournament," Ellis said.

Last year at the tournament, Berry took 10th place and Park took 15th place, Ellis said.

Ellis said Kessler and Peter are excited to be able to go back to the tournament next year.

The topic for this year's national competition was whether the United States should reduce restrictions on legal immigration to the country.

Ellis said winning a national title became a reality because of the steady growth and success of the debate team.

"It means a lot to have this recognition and to know the work we have been doing for quite a while now is really paying off," Ellis said.