I have written an email to the Roosevelt staff with our results and a couple of thoughts about this team. I followed my tradition of writing personal notes to the seniors in nationals who debated or spoke their final high school round at nationals. They were hard to write and done on the bus making my poor handwriting even worse but essentially they each got a note from me honoring their accomplishments and leadership. Even greater than the personal accomplishments are the team accomplishments in 2011. This group of seniors led a tremendously talented and hard working team who essentially became the best it could be. Here are a few of the accomplishments of the seniors of 2011 and the team of 2010-11
Two State team titles and nearly four (2nd twice at All Iowa Finals Speech)
A record number of qualifying students to nationals (11)
A record number of invitational round robins
A record for most degrees and NFL points
A new all time individual record for NFL points
A record for debate wins
A record for debate rounds competed in
A record for having the top 6 students in NFL points all season in Iowa
But what makes this senior class most impressive is that virtually everyone had to overcome something personal to get to where they got. No one had it easy. There were hot and cold streaks. There were those who had every reason to quit and move on but didn't. There were those who questioned who they were and what they were doing and made it. Friends were broken apart but still stood together as team mates. There were lots of disappointments along the way. But everyone stayed together and found a way.
Other schools and coaches who knew us well and didn't know us witnessed how our team functioned and close the team was individually. The coach at Salina KS commented to me about our speech kids. A coach in Texas after being around our students praised them to me. An Iowa City West parent commented on how special our group was, etc. It was a week of praise for our kids. How fitting that Mike and Sam were featured on the NFL Tournament video at awards!
Each of you have grown as individuals, are ready to move on, and have left the legacy behind that I have so often asked about...what will be your legacy? It's a great legacy...something for which future RHS students can aspire to exceeding. They will find your records and accomplishments in 2010-11 were indeed, very special.
Great job seniors...godspeed!
Strong
