Debate

March 19, 2008
Observing a debate tournament is a perfect representation of the dichotomous nature of a teenager: rough housing, flirting, and joking, all interspersed with up-to-date passionate political discussions and an awareness of world issues rarely seen out side of university cafes. And that is just between the competition rounds. I recently had the opportunity to witness this first hand when I went with the Hurricane High School’s Debate team to the 3A State Championships held in Salt Lake City, March 7 and 8, at Judge Memorial High School. I went because they needed judges and because I was curious to get a glimpse into this strange, new world my son has decided to enter.
I came away very impressed with these kids, and I use that term loosely. I’ve met many adults that lack the maturity shown by some of the participants at the championship. The amount of effort and time that goes into their preparation is significant and their knowledge is tremendous. These teens are worthy of respect. I know very few adults who could give a 7-minute speech on whether or not Samba Makoni can push Robert Mugabe from power in Zimbabwe, with only 30 minutes of preparation time; or defend the concept that the primary elections are in opposition to democratic values, especially when they don’t know until moments before if they will be arguing for the concept, or against it. Not that every debate is quite so serious. At one point on the bus it was put to the vote who is cooler, Chewbacca or Yoda? Despite the valiant and eloquent efforts put forth in Chewbacca’s defense, Yoda won hands down.
Someone asked me what was the point of debate? So I decided to find out. I spoke to each of the 23 members of the Hurricane team participating in the State Championship, and asked them what benefit they get from participating in debate. Some mentioned it would look good on college applications, but many spoke of it improving their communications skills, or it simply being “stimulating.” Katie Busch, a senior from Hurricane summed it up well.
“I can now speak in front of people with confidence,” Busch said.
“It helps me learn a lot about the country,” LuEllen Lang, debate council member, said. “I learn more than I would in a history class.”
Kalub Spendlove, a senior from Virgin, said debate helps him break out of his social bubble. Amy Rae Brunsman, La Verkin senior, said she has become a lot less dogmatic and more respectful.
“You can accomplish something better than running around kicking balls into goals,” Cara Colson, Hurricane junior, said.
“Debate teaches you to analyze things, and to respect others’ opinions,” Lindsey Pledger, Debate Council co-president, said.
Many found this as a healthy outlet for all the raw energy, enthusiasm and passion that are unique to being a teenager. Some teens find this outlet in sports, while others, unfortunately, turn to rebelliousness and illegal activities. For some, it is an outlet for their natural inclination to be contrary.
“It is a chance to argue with people without getting in trouble,” Austin Sumner, Hurricane senior, succinctly put it. Many stated that they want to expand their horizons and learn more about the world.
They have fun doing it as well. During the two days I spent with the team, there was always laughter. This was, in part, due to Richard Hill, debate coach, and his firm belief in giving your all, but having fun while doing it. Occasionally during the bus ride he would get everyone’s attention as if he had an important announcement to make, and then he’s say nothing at all. His jest would immediately be followed by jeers and protests. And then there is some strange team obsession with girls’ ponytails, aka “wubas,” that I never did quite figure out. It entails “fluffing” the ponytail with your hands. If this all sounds silly and juvenile, it was.
But it was also a tremendous amount of fun, and fun is why many kids keep participating in debate, despite some of the negative aspects: stress, hours of research, biased or inexperienced judges and arrogant opponents, to name but a few.
Eleven schools participated in the 3A State Debate Championship this year. Hurricane High School had entrants in all eight events. The team made it to the finals in two events and had four entrants win in their categories. Brunsman placed fourth in Oratory, an original, memorized speech.
Pledger took third in Lincoln-Douglas, a two person debate about morals. Alexis Webb a La Verkin senior won second in Extemporaneous, an event in which participants have to give a seven minute speech on a topic selected for you, with only 30 minutes of preparation time. Clark Michel another La Verkin senior, won second in Congress, where contestants present and discuss their “bills” in a mock congress setting.
But this ambitious team was disappointed they didn’t do better. Hill explained that the team is at a disadvantage based on its location. What makes a team most likely to win is the experience it gets from competition. But because HHS is located in a far corner of the state it is hard to get to as many tournaments as other schools. Logan, first placed team, and Ogden, second placed team, can easily compete in a tournament nearly every weekend of the season.
Despite the team’s disappointment, they demonstrated good sportsmanship by giving every first place winner a standing ovation, something none of the other teams did. Over and over I was impressed by the team’s spirit.
“Everyone can joke around on this team,” Michel said. “Everybody is willing to help someone else on this team.”
“The team has everything a team should have,” Andrew Adams, La Verkin senior, and newest member, with only two months on the team, said. “There are some conflicts, but it is structured in such a way we can work it out.”
“You can be yourself and not be judged,” Ryan Drake, La Verkin junior, said. Sharissa Santos, Hurricane sophomore, likes that everyone on the team is very respectful and never cocky, and they know, whatever they are working on, it can be better. Busch feels each person is an individual and brings something different to the team.
What these teens may not yet understand is in the long run, it is being a member of this team that makes each of them a winner, whether they brought home any medals or not.
Angela Osborn-Brown is a resident of Hurricane and submitted this article to the Journal. She accompanied the HHS Debate team on their trip to Salt Lake City and participated as a judge in the competition.

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