Students argue their way to state
By Calla Mounkes
February 14, 2006
On January 20 and 21, the debaters at Silver Lake High School who qualified at regional debate, traveled with their coach Gail Naylor to the state competition in Wichita, Kan.
The students who went to state were Seniors Josh Ruby, Alex Oyler, and Colin Wilstead; Juniors Nick Miller, Courtney Brokaw, Emy Ladner, Donnie Hanson; and Sophomores Cody Spiker and Lainey Roberson.
Most team members felt that specific things they had improved in debate helped carry them to state. However, they all had different views as to which specific attribute it was. Some felt it was communication, adaptation or just debating skills in general.
"My logical thinking and communication skills carried me to state by persuading the judges of our cause," said Miller.
"I believe our ability to adapt to different judges and teams helped us go to state," said Oyler.
"I believe the ability to work with other people on the squad and understand some different types of debate that other schools present carried us to state," said Brokaw.
"I believe that my ability to think quickly and select correct argumentation helped me make it to state," said Hanson,
The debaters did come to a consensus on one opinion: that fact that Miller and Oyler competed the best throughout the season. Miller particularly bragged on his teammates debating abilities.
"Alex Oyler was the best this season because he has helped me and the rest of the squad become what we are. He is a great player in round but is an even better person outside of it. There is more to debate than the rounds, and he did a great job of educating and helping everyone around him," said Miller.
Brokaw also thought their skills were superior to others on the squad.
"Nick Miller and Alex Oyler did the best this season because they worked really hard and were always the willing to help everyone else," said Brokaw.
The troop enjoyed the competition the most of all the aspects of debate. They reason they are in debate is for the challenge.
"The best part of debate is competition. We learn something new every week and experience something different and exciting,î said Miller.
"In debate, you are challenged on a regular basis which makes every round a challenge," said Oyler.
Brokaw also felt that her social skills were improved because of the interaction between other students from opposing schools and her fellow team members.
"I am in debate for the experience you get while working with all the team members and opponents. The best part is meeting other people from other schools and hanging out with them on the weekends," said Brokaw.
Overall the students believed that several life skills were improved because of their experiences during debate competitions and preparation.
"Debate helps to improve impromptu speaking skills and communication with your teammates in general," said Brokaw.
"Skills such as communication, organization, and researching skills have improved because of my participation in debate," said Hanson.
Although the team as a whole placed third at the competition, the team was still disappointed because they were not able to surpass last year's state results.
"I was excited that we got third, but disappointed because I wanted us to do better than we did last year," said Miller.
"I felt a little disappointed because we were so close to getting first and Alex graduates this year, but proud because we earned what we gotówe werenít just handed third place," said Brokaw.
"I was disappointedóI wanted to actually win state for once. It's not even that we debated poorlyówe simply didnít adapt and slow down our debate enough for the kind of competition and judging state is," said Oyler.
"It feels great to consistently place at the state level, but I think we all wish we could have done better," said Hanson.
The debaters also agreed on the worst part of debate: waking up early to leave to participate at another school.
"The worst is waking up in the mornings, hands down," said Oyler.
"The worst part is getting up earlier than the boys to get ready for tourneys and then having them ask you why youíre tired," said Brokaw.
Students argue their way to state
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