Debate season kicks off with wins
By Jill Lira
November 02, 2006
In the constant rush of reporting sports results or who scored the winning touchdown, people tend to forget about an academic extracurricular activity that consumes the lives of 14 students. The debate squad recently started their season at Seaman High School.
Seniors Courtney Brokaw and Donnie Hanson placed first at the Seaman Fall Classic; freshmen Shelby Brokaw and Jerod Barker placed fifth; freshman Rachel Cross and sophomore JaVon Martin placed fifth in a separate division; and juniors Lainey Roberson and Codi Spiker placed seventh.
Other members of the squad include juniors Tiffany Ouderkirk and Michelle Taylor; sophomores Shelby Boucher, Kali Huske and Trent Strunk; and freshman Shelby Johnston.There are currently nine novices this year, meaning they have never formally competed in debate.
Being the only seniors on the squad, Brokaw and Hanson are taking on the responsibility of educating the novice debaters.
"I think the novices had a great start. They won some rounds and Shelby Brokaw and Rachel Cross even won a negative round! They went out and tried their hardest," Brokaw stated.
According to Gail Naylor, head coach, the first weekend out is always the roughest and the team exceeded her expectations.
"Mostly, opening weekend is a test for the experienced to see if they've retained theory and argumentation from the year before, and it's really a barometer for the novices to just begin the entire debate process," Naylor stated.
Hanson has competed in debate all four years of high school and is expecting his senior year to be the best.
"Being a senior has its up and downs. It's great having the younger members look up to me, but it also adds a lot of stress. Cutting files for the entire squad and helping run the tournament, all on top of preparing for my own tournaments definitely builds up," said Hanson.
Barker, debate novice, explained how much work debate entails but also the payoff it has. He also explained how the work he is doing now will benefit him throughout the rest of high school.
"Debate was very stressful at first but once it clicks in your head, it's fun. I enjoy debate because it is a challenge to stand up in front of people and give an argument using evidence and facts. The critical thinking also helps," said Barker.
Regional four-speaker debate is to take place Jan. 12 and 13. State will take place Jan. 19 and 20 and all teams hope to attend.
"We're a very young squad, so while we hope to be developing some depth for coverage, we're also looking to get some of the novices qualified to state and prepared to debate anything," Naylor explained.
Debate season kicks off with wins
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