Speech and Debate Glendale/Kickapoo Tournament
Packets of articles dense with vibrant lines of highlighting scatter among cafeteria tables. High school students high on adrenaline thumb frantically through cases that have been exhausted by hours of review. If you listen closely, the tapping of anxious heels almost seem to synchronize with the constant hum of articulate voices. To the foreign ear, one can’t possibly imagine what would be responsible for such a sound. But to the CHS Speech and Debate team, these sounds all add up to one thing—a debate tournament.
Recently, the CHS Speech and Debate tournament attended the Glendale/ Kickapoo Speech and Debate Tournament. The addition of a great number of novices this year had the team motivated, yet with little idea of what to expect.
“The first tournament of the year is always unpredictable. At this point in the season, my expectations are that the students prepare as much as possible, do their best in competition, present themselves with confidence, and make a good impression on all with whom they come in contact.” Speech and Debate Coach Brenda Bollinger said. “Our students were at various levels of readiness when we left Clayton Thursday afternoon.”
Likewise, the methods that each of the team members endured in preparation for the tournament differed drastically.
“We had everything down about a week beforehand. The extent of it involved writing our cases and researching, which was a gradual process.” Sophomore Ian Tarr said.
Although this highlights the basic routine of debaters, those who participated in other events such as humorous/dramatic interpretation and original oratory took a path much different from Tarr’s.
“After finding a satisfying piece, I copied the piece in writing. I find that this process helps me memorize my story as well as get the rhythm of the piece.” Junior Jasmin Singh said.
Regardless of what the preparation process, CHS Speech and Debate team yielded great results this tournament.
“What this tournament has shown is the potential strength of the Clayton team for the 2010-2011 Season. As the season progresses, our students will continue to be impressive and worthy contenders.” Bollinger said. “My expectations [for the Glendale/Kickapoo tournament] were met and exceeded.”