Yale Update

Phew! We've been so busy preparing, practicing, traveling, laughing, comparing notes, competing and/or dominating at Yale University that we haven't had any spare time to update the blog. Hang tight though, news is coming shortly!

WFTR PodCast now posted for September Resolution

On Monday, September 15th, the R-MA Speech and Debate Team hosted our biweekly radio program at WFTR Radio. The topic was the September Resolution that: "The United States should institute a military draft." On the program were Brennan Morris, Valerie Pratt, Will Dungan, and David McAteer. You'll have to pardon the host's pervasive hacking cough.

The website is: http://www.archive.org/details/Rmadebate09.15.2008a

Wake Forest -- PenUltimate Report

We arrived at R-MA at 2100hrs after a quick run back from North Carolina to Front Royal. The Awards were tremendous... best in a number of years.

Wake Forest always represents a trial by fire tournament, with many novices getting their first taste of national circuit competition and realizing how far the bar is set. Returners also get the opportunity to test their skills in this early arena. The results for this year reflect past successes and show a new generation of R-MA Speech and Debate is prepared to take up the tradition of excellence.

Impromptu Champion... Brennan Morris
Extemp Finalist (4th Place)... Brennan Morris
Original Oratory Semifinalist... John Holsinger
Public Forum Double-Octofinalists... David McAteer and Paul Smith

Results below:
Dungan/ Maddock PF... 3-3
Nell/ Gerber PF... 3-3
McGraw/ Black PF... 3-3
Christoph/ Pratt... 1-5
Butler (DI)... 2-4-3-4 (pretty good for the first-time out)

Pictures to be posted soon.

Wake Forest - Day Four

Big and super-cool news from last night- the PF Team of McAteer/Smith broke to double-octos! Facing Cathedral Prep, they dropped on a 1-2 decision. John Holsinger dropped at Semifinals in Oratory, but the amazing thing is that he broke the first time out in Oratory.

Brennan Morris double-advanced to Finals in Extemp and Impromptu.

We are now waiting for the postings of finals to send the students to watch the other events in which they will cross-train.

It was hectic this morning with an exhausted Czar sleeping through his wake up call and cell phone alarm; only to be awoken by the scratchings of John Holsinger at his door at 6:42 for a 7:15 load and departure. Well, we both loaded and departed into the great unknown - knowing only the Brennan broke and knowing that we needed to find where on Wake campus Extemp Prep was. As the Wake website was down and the only thing we had to go on were that postings were in the Benson Center, we unloaded the cart and 11 boxes of files there and then headed to Carswell to drop off Coach Burt for her judging assignment. While across campus, we got a call that Extemp Prep was not in the Benson Center, but Kirby Hall - a building on no map and behind/part of another one. Led by Marianne Nell, we were able to find the building just in time to get in the boxes for Brennan's draw. Seeing our team carry in Brennan's boxes, like ants carrying grain, other competitors were impressed by the machine-like teamwork of R-MA Speech and Debate. Students have gone off to finals or are feverishly working on their homework or revision of their cases for Yale. Awards are at 1400 - results following.

~ba

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Wake Forest - DAY THREE

Waking up at 0600 for another nutritious hot breakfast at Holiday Inn Express, the R-MA Speech and Debate Team left the hotel exactly on schedule at 0715. Dropping the debaters off at Wake Campus for rounds 3-6, the Speechies went on to North Forsyth for rounds 2 and 3. THIS JUST IN.... Brennan Morris double broke to Semis in Extemp and Impromptu. John Holsinger, for his first time out in Oratory breaks to Semifinals.

Wake Forest - DAY TWO

After a restful night and a delightful Holiday Inn hot breakfast, the team settled in for three hours of practice rounds before going off to register at Wake Forest University. 160 schools from 20 states. A big tournament with diverse competition. Dropping off the PF Squad with Coach Burt, the Czar took the speech people to North Forsythe High School. Following some fast talking, we were able to park the bus very close to the high school and unload the wheelchair and the extemp files.
With some good vocal warmups, our kids went into rounds - many for the first time. They had a great time. Said Valerie Pratt, "I just love my new partner. When he slaughtered that guy in his summary, I could've hugged him."
Ending up for take-out and the slowest KFC in the known world, the kids settled in for a much-deserved 8 hours of sleep before the second day of competition.
~bag

Wake Forest - Day One

An amazing load of the bus for the first time out, ably led by Brennan Morris. Wheels-up at 1300HRS. Everyone had all thier stuff and to the bus on time. Following a wholesome sack lunch, provided by our Dining Hall, the students all (and I mean all) took a nice 90 minute nap before we stopped for gas in Blacksburg.
Had a gloriously cheap steak buffet in North Carolina. The fried chicken was just amazing. Have checked into traditional Holiday Inn Express and the students are busily working on cases and speeches. I am hearing John, even now, working through his oratory with our assistant coach, as I post this blog from my BlackJack.
We will Lights Out at 2230 for an 0700 wake up, breakfast, and practice sessions before heading off for rounds at Wake.
I am VERY happy with this team for their maturity and focus. Also very happy with our new Assistant Coach, Lauren Burt, for her experience and enthusiasm.
It is foggy and misty tonight in Winston-Salem with scattered thunderstorms scheduled for tomorrow. Luckily the students have all brought their umbrellas.
~bag

First Black and Gold a Success

Will post video shortly. On a very tight ballot (3-2), The Gold, representing the Con took the debate from The Black on the Pro. Thanls to guest judges: Dr. Christoph, Doug Pratt, and Rebecca Quinn (and gracious host).

Returning Parent Reception: 3 September

Following Registration on Wednesday, we will host a Returning Parent Reception at 3:00 p.m. in the Debate Squad Room in Crow Hall. Catering will be by the Apple House and we will discuss the changes in policies and procedures for the 2008/09 Season. Following the Reception, at 5:15 p.m. will be the first session for the Varsity and JV Squad.

This is going to be a great year.