Debate season underway

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Junior Kat Stan and Sophomore Cameryn Petterson running the ballot table at the BIT on Oct. 14.

Debate, one of the smallest activities at Baldwin High School is having a promising year with a total of two varsity three JV and five novice debaters all excited for the year.

Debate coach David Stephens is very excited for this season.

“I feel like the season is going well. It’s still early, but we have some debaters who are more focused and diligent than ones we have had in the past, [and] Oh, yes. I’m excited for the year. Oh, yes,” he said.

On Oct. 14th, Baldwin will be hosting their home tournament which can be a struggle to find judges that have the time to judge and actually running a tournament can be difficult for not only the team, but also Stephens himself.

“ I think the home tournament will be fine. There are always a few problems, but we figure out how to fix them.”

An annual tradition for the debate T-shirts is to come up with a design but to never get any of them ordered. Last year’s T-shirt idea was to have a photoshopped map with China removed from it on the back, joking from a “China does not exist.” An idea for this year has not been hatched from the quirky debaters.

“Debate T-shirts are T-shirts that relate in one way or another to the resolution for the year. Often, they contain some quote, or perhaps, an inside joke that the debaters find humorous.” Stephens said.

Stephens’ colorful personality attracts the even quirkier debaters. Stephens can’t even have a favorite color. If you ask the team you get a symphony of “As black as my soul” or “Rainbows reflecting onto a unicorn’s mane.” Well Stephens on the other hand…

“Depends on the context”, he said.