The more I replay this weekend in my mind the more impressed I am with two upperclassmen novice students: Greg Boal and Lillian Chesser. Their stories are impressive and not only does each help pull off major upsets Greg nearly eliminates Mashall Abid in only his 3rd round of LD.
Think about the magnitude of what Greg almost pulls off in front of a vetern LD judge. Instead of getting all excited, scared, emotional about drawing Abid...he just goes in there and debates
(nevermind his lack of experience here) and comes out with both Mashall and Greg believing Greg had won. Mashall actually tells his head coach he is finished. Greg kept his head, his poise and his cool despite Abid's relentless attacks. He found a way to give himself a chance to win without getting all wrapped up in the moment. We need more of Greg's attitude in debate in our program.
Lillian Chesser is apparently out of the same mold. With only less than 20 rounds of PF experience, she capably executes what Billy wants her to do vs. two of the best teams in Iowa this year: Rohit and Johnson (6 TOC bids) and Leah Hilsabeck and her partner from Okoboji.
Then in the final round with Billy knowing the magnitude of the drama--facing Leah Hilsabeck in her backyard after years of beating her. We draw a bad panel--two NW Iowa judges and Sonja Hanson of Valley who is not pleased to find out Rohit and Johnson just lost to Strong and Chesser.
Lillian again executes exactly what Billy wanted--get after Leah's partner so Billy isn't seen as beating up on Leah. Lillian takes away Okoboji's offense in the first CX and Billy keeps them on the defensive. Leah even gets the last speech but loses the NW Iowa judges.
It was a risk on Billy's part-- in that the one ballot they lose didn't like the agressiveness of the Roosevelt case (Valley). The other two ballots are lopsidedly in favor of Lillian and Billy. They loved it.
Oh, and by the way, both Lillian and Greg qualify with remarkably little experience. Must be the Coaching!!!!!!! Or maybe there is something to be said for upperclassmen.
