Whereas last year and in previous years, we have run between 25-30 on the team, the 2008/09 Speech and Debate Team will have only slots for 10-15 competitors. At this stage, probably 10 Varsity and 5 JV Alternates. This indicates a significant cutting of slots and increased competition for the existing ones.
As the number of definite returners number around 15 and we have 25 incoming students who have expressed interest, we are forced to plan on a very hard cut.
Therefore, with this in mind, we will begin the try-out process over the summer. There are no guaranteed slots and all returners, as well as novices, will be expected to try-out for the team.
The try-out process will be four-fold:
1) For returners and novices, an email needs to be sent to my bagregg@rma.edu giving me specifics on when we can arrange a telephone interview. For students currently in summer school, the interview can be conducted on campus. For those returners and novices not wishing to compete, a simple email will suffice. As always, should a student not wish to compete, there are no hard feelings, and we can accomodate those wishes very easily and quickly.
2) Telephone Interview. For novices, I will be getting to know the student and attempt to ascertain in what areas a student's talents lie. For returners, we will be evaluating the previous year's strengths and weaknesses and discussing the direction the student wishes to take in the upcoming year.
3) Preparation. Placement on the 2008/09 Speech and Debate Team will not be based on scoreboard or talent, but work ethic. Between the time of the interview, assuming a positive interview, and the first day of school, each student will have emailed to them a preparation packet. For novices, video links on Public Forum Debate and several packets of briefs. For returners in public forum, several packets of briefs. For interp returners, pieces will be emailed to them. For orators, I will expect to see a copy of their oratory.
As the number of definite returners number around 15 and we have 25 incoming students who have expressed interest, we are forced to plan on a very hard cut.
Therefore, with this in mind, we will begin the try-out process over the summer. There are no guaranteed slots and all returners, as well as novices, will be expected to try-out for the team.
The try-out process will be four-fold:
1) For returners and novices, an email needs to be sent to my bagregg@rma.edu giving me specifics on when we can arrange a telephone interview. For students currently in summer school, the interview can be conducted on campus. For those returners and novices not wishing to compete, a simple email will suffice. As always, should a student not wish to compete, there are no hard feelings, and we can accomodate those wishes very easily and quickly.
2) Telephone Interview. For novices, I will be getting to know the student and attempt to ascertain in what areas a student's talents lie. For returners, we will be evaluating the previous year's strengths and weaknesses and discussing the direction the student wishes to take in the upcoming year.
3) Preparation. Placement on the 2008/09 Speech and Debate Team will not be based on scoreboard or talent, but work ethic. Between the time of the interview, assuming a positive interview, and the first day of school, each student will have emailed to them a preparation packet. For novices, video links on Public Forum Debate and several packets of briefs. For returners in public forum, several packets of briefs. For interp returners, pieces will be emailed to them. For orators, I will expect to see a copy of their oratory.
4) Try-outs. For those students making the previous cuts, we will have a try-out on the first day of school. For new students, Sep. 1, for returners, Sep 3. During that try-out, novice public forum debaters will show, through highlighting, that they have read the briefs and, through cross-examination and discussion, if they understand the material. Returning public forum debaters will also have edited and tournament-ready cases in-hand. Orators and Interpers will be expected to have their pieces memorized. Students not having this done will not make the cut and they will be informed immediately.
By the weekend, I will have my working list of 15-20 competitors who will have their first tournament at Wake Forest University the next weekend and Yale two weeks after that. Depending on performance, we will make the next cut after Wake and then the final cut after Yale.
I have laid out the process for the try-out as 1) a way of intimidation of the faint of heart, and 2) so that the process is completely transparent and that both parents and students will see that the decision has been made using objective standards.
It is my hope that every student wishing to compete for us gives their all to the try-out. It would be my desire to take all-comers as in previous years; however, as we are limited by circumsances out of our hands, we will endeavour to maintain the quality of our legacy state championship program. My commitment to bringing out the excellence in those students on our team remains steadfast.
Should a student not make the cut for the Fall Season, they can re-apply for the Winter Season. However, there will only be a select number of slots available at that time.
I hope to hear from you soon. Until that time, I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Rev BA Gregg
R-MA Director of Forensics
NFL Virginia Chairman
Virginia Forensics League President
I hope to hear from you soon. Until that time, I remain,
Sincerely Yours,
Rev BA Gregg
R-MA Director of Forensics
NFL Virginia Chairman
Virginia Forensics League President
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