Groton Reigns at Exeter Debate Tourney
On Sunday, November 9, the Debating Society took Exeter by storm in a tournament with seven other schools.
It has been a “pretty good year so far” for the team, said Dr. Andy Reyes, a Latin teacher and debate coach.
The Sunday victory at first place (shout-out to Exeter at second, and Roxbury-Latin at third) reflects the proficiency of the individual members. While no advanced pair from any school won all three rounds, both our Sixth Form pair of Luka Bakic ’15 and Philippe Heitzmann ’15 and our Fifth Form pair of Ethan Woo ’16 and Sophie DiCara ’16 won two of their three rounds.
Our two novice four-person teams also performed spectacularly. Yolanda Dong ’17, Caroline Johnston ’17, Cherian Yit ’17, and Victor Liu ’17 won a combined six out of six rounds, coming in first overall. Chris Ye ’17, Eddie Uong ’17, Candilla Park ’18, and Olivia Potter ’18 won a total of five out of six rounds, placing third overall. Out of 14 novice pairs arguing for the negative side, Candilla and Olivia and Yolanda and Caroline took first and second place respectively. Among the novice affirmative pairs, Cherian and Victor placed second. On an individual level, Candilla placed first out of 56 novice speakers.
The Sunday victory at first place (shout-out to Exeter at second, and Roxbury-Latin at third) reflects the proficiency of the individual members. While no advanced pair from any school won all three rounds, both our Sixth Form pair of Luka Bakic ’15 and Philippe Heitzmann ’15 and our Fifth Form pair of Ethan Woo ’16 and Sophie DiCara ’16 won two of their three rounds.
Our two novice four-person teams also performed spectacularly. Yolanda Dong ’17, Caroline Johnston ’17, Cherian Yit ’17, and Victor Liu ’17 won a combined six out of six rounds, coming in first overall. Chris Ye ’17, Eddie Uong ’17, Candilla Park ’18, and Olivia Potter ’18 won a total of five out of six rounds, placing third overall. Out of 14 novice pairs arguing for the negative side, Candilla and Olivia and Yolanda and Caroline took first and second place respectively. Among the novice affirmative pairs, Cherian and Victor placed second. On an individual level, Candilla placed first out of 56 novice speakers.
In the week leading up to this debate, the teams met on Wednesday and Friday evening, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, in addition to regular Tuesday and Thursday sessions. The team calls on Michael Gnozzio ’03, a former Debating Society president, who shares tips and ideas before every tournament.
“We are an extracurricular activity, not a sporting team,” Dr. Reyes explained, “so our competitions and victories, rightly, don’t usually expect a lot of fanfare.”
But it’s about time our debaters receive their moment in the spotlight: their excellent performance is the product of a work ethic and passion rivaling those of any varsity team.
But it’s about time our debaters receive their moment in the spotlight: their excellent performance is the product of a work ethic and passion rivaling those of any varsity team.
Congratulations to the Debating Society and good luck for the rest of the year!—Sowon Lee ’15
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