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No coach ... no problem
*Debate team, in its first year, is run by the students*
Despite not having a coach, the six students who make up the Bishop Seabury Academy debate team will be competing this weekend as Fort Scott High School hosts the Kansas Class 3-2-1A Regional Tournament.
The debate program is in its first year at the school and is run by the students. BSA Co-captains David Lawrence, junior, and Peter Cooney, sophomore, act as the team's coaches. David said they researched debate coaching on the Internet as well as observing other teams to prepare themselves for the task.
David said a couple of the school's 46 students showed an interest in beginning a program. The school provided them all the tools they needed to get started --except a coach. He said there was not a faculty member who was willing and able to devote the time and effort to the team.
"We are all thankful for this opportunity," David said. "We come from a school with only 46 students and it is a great honor to debate against the best teams in the state of Kansas."
In addition to being a first-year participant in debate, BSA is also the only Class 1A school in Kansas to compete in debate. Because it is the only 1A school to compete, the students have had to face some of Kansas' largest schools in competition. According to the team's adult sponsor and David's father, Larry Lawrence, the team boasts a record of 12 wins and seven losses to 5A and 6A schools. Larry added, the team has faced more difficult competition in the 3A and 4A schools.
"We have found though that the experienced 3A and 4A schools are tougher competition," Larry said.
Being a novice team, David said they have often been placed against the larger, more experienced teams early in tournaments. Despite facing more experienced teams, the team has performed well.
"Through the team's native brilliance and hard work we've had a very successful season taking a novice team and going 46-32 in varsity debate," David said.
No matter the amount of success the team has this season, the members have grown closer to each other. David and Peter said the amount of camaraderie that has been developed between the six students has been extraordinary.
"I've not seen a group of people closer as a result of an activity than I think we have become ... it has been a great experience for all of us," David said. "There has been a great sense of camaraderie that I have never before seen."
According to Larry, the team's goal from the beginning was to do their best and show that what they are capable of. David said the team hopes to continue their success and advance to the state tournament in January.
"I'm extremely proud of the initiative they all have shown and the pride they take in each other's achievements," Larry said. "They've really worked together as a team."
David added, "Our goal is to do well enough to take third or fourth place in the tournament and advance to state. I think this is well in our capacity, given how we've performed throughout the season."