The debate team competed Oct. 15 at John Brown University against five other teams. These aren’t just five other teams though. Not only were these teams some of the best in the circuit, but they were college teams as well. The debate team faced teams from The University of Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, and The University of Mississippi.
“I was excited,” said senior Alex McGowen. “ The anxiety leaves right before you enter the round.”
At the tournament, the team immediately set up their computers in order to prepare for the first round. There were six preliminary rounds. Names were randomly selected to see who the opponents were going to be. Then there was an octo-final where the top 16 went on to compete for spots in the finals.
“I went 5-1 in prelims,” said McGowen. “ I won 1st seed and 1st place novice speaker.”
The most excitement overcame the debate team when they realized exactly how well they had done. The debate team “closed out” the tournament. Closing out the tournament means that instead of one student facing another from a different school, two students from the team entered the final round to face each other.
“The team was supportive of us,” said junior Blake Tucker. “We split the team. Half helped me prepare, the other half helped Abby.”
Sophomore Abby Rice and Tucker faced off in a debate about the legalization of prostitution. In the end, Tucker came out on top winning the novice debate tournament.
“I was happy and relieved that all my hard work paid off,” said Tucker. “I must be doing something right.”
The debate team put in hours of practice after school, and spent much more time researching to gain information about political topics. In class and after school, the debate team practices debating with each other. On their own time, they have to watch the news and keep up with current events.
“We live, eat, and breathe debate,” said Rice.
The debate team has bonded over the past years and has become more like a family rather than a team. Debate has a “Big Brother/ Big Sister” program, where a returning member takes a new member and is like their mentor. Teamwork is very important in the preparation for the rounds. The debate members have come to realize that this isn’t just another elective class.
“It means everything to me. Har-Ber debate is a home where a bunch of kids from different social groups can come together to work on one goal,” said Rice.
The members of the debate team are getting an opportunity to learn how to research, speak in public, and better their self confidence. They strive to be leaders in the community, building new friendships and grow as individuals.
“This represents my hopes to go to college with debate,” said Tucker. “My closest friends are from the debate team.”