The Debate World Loses One of It's Best

Dr. Scott "Duck" Deatherage died this Christmas morning.  Those of you familiar with college debate or have watched Resolved may remember him.  He was widely known as the best college debate coach in the country, winning 7 NDT titles while coaching at Northwestern.  He had recently taken over as the Executive Director of the National Urban Debate League.  To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Chicago Tribune Article

Camacho-Stephens Break to Out Rounds at UT Longhorn Classic

Eddie Camacho and Charlie Stephens (CS) came very close to earning their second TOC bid at the University of Texas Longhorn Classic. The two won their first five rounds before losing their only preliminary round to the Kincaid School..  CS then advanced to the Double Octo Finals and eliminated Jenks High School from the competition. 

CS lost to St. Mark's-MB in Octos.  CS finished in the top 10 and their only losses came against the first place team (Kincaid) and second place team (St. Mark's).  Eddie and Charlie continue to build a convincing portfolio for an invitation to the Barkley Forum, NDCA Nationals and an at-large TOC bid (if necessary).  They have now competed in 5 TOC tournaments.  They have a winning record in all 5, have advanced to elimination rounds in 4 of the 5 and have earned one bid to the TOC.

Camacho and Stephens will next compete on the TOC circuit at the Golden Desert Classic in January.

Law Magnet Draws and Quarters South Garland Competition

The Judge Barefoot Sanders Debate Team continues to excel on the local TFA circuit.  Competing at the South Garland Southern Classic, the team advanced one VCX team and one VLD to Quarter-Finals.

Colton Donica and Lucy Pina went undefeated in the prelim's and earned the #2 seed.  They advanced to Quarter-Finals where they fell to Colleville.  According to the unofficial results posted on the TFA website, the team earned their first 2 points towards TFA state.

Kelsey Annu-Essuman continued her incredible run of breaking at local TFA tournaments.  She defeated her opponent in Octo-Finals and advanced to Quarters where she faced Megha Motgi from Hockaday.  The panel was split, with the 2-1 decision narrowly going to Hockaday.  Nevertheless, Kelsey earned an additional two points toward TFA state.  She now has 9 points, just one shy of qualifying.