The debate team is regrouping efforts to maximize the performances of returning team members and new additions. The upperclassmen who have taken over the rolls of captain and president are seniors Diego Cruz and Nikola Sowa, respectively.

With a primarily young team, efforts were made by coach Matt Bohnenkamp early in the season to familiarize new members with the rules and procedures of the activity. The beginning of the season is always marked by returning debaters making lower-classmen feel more comfortable, and Bohnenkamp believes the new team leaders along with juniors Thomas Brautigam, Saif Syed and Adam Hussein have been successful in doing so.

At their first tournament, the team scored in the middle with a placement of 10th out of 20 schools. Individually, praise was given to freshman Hailey Muro who gave four speeches, an accomplishment rare for a non-varsity member. Additionally, sophomores Grace Ritter and Daniel Salgado-Alvarez and junior Jared Waller all scored fives on their first speeches.

Bohnenkamp has en-couraged more participation at tournaments. His goal for the season is to see more members compete.

“If we do that, then success will follow. We’re still young and have a lot to learn, but we’re hoping to place in the top three by the end of the season,” Bohnenkamp said. “It’s a lofty goal, but if we work hard, I’m hopeful that we can achieve it.”

At the second competition, the team placed 9th out of 19, with Salgado-Alvarez finishing first in his chamber and Ritter winning best presiding officer.