Debate Team Starts Off Season Strong

The Crown Point Speech and Debate Team has a strong start to season with novices placing high in the ranking

Mason Erbini, Lead Writer

November 4, 2024

The novices proudly hold up their certificates after their first competition. (Mason Erbini)

The Crown Point Speech and Debate Team competed at their first competition last Saturday at the Larry Stuber Debate Memorial Tournament at Valparaiso High School. The team left the competition with a strong start to the season, and they are ready to keep moving forward.

For the majority of the team, it was their first time competing against debaters from other schools. Because it was their first time, they were able to compete in the novice division of the tournament, allowing them a better chance at success. “I’m so happy our team did incredible and that we had so many fantastic speakers,” said freshman Sean Morris. “I’m excited to see where the rest of the season takes us.”

The team has been preparing for the start of the season since early September. Coaches Heidi Marek, Brooke Manhatton, Matthew Barno, and many varsity competitors have been helping new members learn the art of debate and public speaking. “This group of novices went up against some tough competition such as the legacy teams from Carmel, Munster, and West Lafayette at their first tournament,” head coach Heidi Marek said. “Placing in the top 8 in their first tournament against these teams shows that our team members have some excellent talent and determination. They will be able to make a stake against larger, more competitive teams.”

The placings at the tournament are as follows:

Novice Public Forum Debate – 2nd Place: Yiser Abdulhasan and Karam Erbini

Novice World Schools Debate – 2nd Place: Delaney Mansueto, Sean Morris, Ceilia Mae Querimit, Addison Spry, and John Van Sickle.

Novice Congressional Debate – 5th Place: Miles Warren

Novice Public Forum Debate – 8th Place: Christian Bender and Sebastian Mesa

The team is planning to continue its season competing in tournaments at Chesterton High School, Penn High School, Purdue Northwest, and many other locations. With novices placing high in their first competition of the season, only time will tell how they will do.

Saturday, Nov. 2, the team is competing at a tournament at Laporte where both novice and varsity competitors will be able to show off the skills they work so hard to attain and master.

Speech and Debate

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About the Contributor

Mason Erbini, Lead Writer and Business Manager

Mason Erbini is a junior at Crown Point High School. This is his second year being a Lead Writer on the Inklings Staff. This year, he also holds the position of Business Manager. Outside of Inklings, Erbini holds the responsibility of President of the Crown Point Business Professionals of America Chapter and Captain of the Speech and Debate Team. After high school, he intends to pursue a college major relating to Business.