After the tournament I was approached by several PF students who we slotted to National Qualifier offering to resign their slots in favor the Rachael and Kayleigh. I turned down their requests. As commendable as it was--maturity matters a lot at Nat Quals and historically, sophomores struggle. I really respect those who approached me.
Our sophomores have to understand they have a role to play on our team which is important and part of that role is to learn a variety of skills. We will send a number of sophomores to All Iowa finals in Congress--just as we have done in the past. We have to win or place very high in Congress to earn sweep points. Last year Minh Tam le won student congress for us.
As our team has grown in numbers we have the luxury of using our maturity as it best benefits them team.
There is another issue involved with our nat Quals team and that is the Drake PF showcase at the end of January. I will send the two sophomore girls to Drake as their reward. The benefits of this decision are:
The National Qualifier teams can get busy on their prep for Quals and the two girls can focus on the prep for Drake. That way no one is doing two preps. With finals and all we have going on right now that seems reasonable.
Drake invited one team of the coach's choosing from each of the Top 8 debate programs in Iowa. They will debate in front of Drake administration and staff. Three rounds on States Right's. The event includes a light dinner and tour of the Law School.
