Oak Park High School’s Speech and Debate team once again dominated in the field of argumentation. On Saturday, Jan. 13, the team competed in their annual Tri County Forensic League spring tournament and brought home several awards.
“The OPHS team brought forth their best and did really well,” debate co-captain Catherine Cheng said. “We had teams and individuals go undefeated and many more who received the honor of ‘Superior.’”
Multiple individuals achieved an undefeated 3-0, meaning they won all their rounds. Several students earned a certificate of excellence, indicating a win-loss ratio of 2-1.
“It was a great team experience,” junior Brystian Heine-Van Fossen said. “I think this was one of the most successful tournaments we’ve ever had.”
This tournament was different from the other competitions the team has participated in since the beginning of the school year. With various styles of debate for students to compete in and more participation from the team, spirits were high.
“We tried out a new style of debate, World Schools, for the first time,” Heine-Van Fossen said. “We went in there a little unprepared but learned as we went… 3-5 speakers per team discussing the topic one at a time”.
This was also the first time the novices competed in a Parliamentary debate, a form that involved only 20 minutes of preparation prior to the beginning of the round.
“It was great seeing them put what they learned into action,” Cheng said.
With some tournaments still left in the season, the team prepares to give even more effort than ever before.
“As we approach State Qualifiers, our team hopes to be able to continue to grow and develop,” Cheng said.
Amidst the mounting pressure, they still hold each other up.
“It feels more like a team sport than anything,” junior Joy Chu said. “I love the team camaraderie and everybody supports each other.
