What a start to the season! I have to say I am thrilled to be back at Roosevelt, and actually in the practice room this year to see the progress of all of our students from the novices to senior varsity members. We truly have a unique and talented group of students this season, and us coaches are blessed to have that problem. By problem I mean that choosing who goes to tournaments in specific events (State and Nat Quals) is only more difficult. As that portion of our season rapidly approaches (IHSSA is less than two months away, and nat quals is 3 months away) I wanted to make a quick comment about the concept of Team.
As coaches we always struggle with the who and why portion of these three tournaments. We have to find the right partners for each person based on their goals and what are the likely outcomes of the tournaments, consider personal achievements like college scholarship opportunities, and most importantly who/and in what events gives us the best opportunity to compete for a state title. Ultimately, we are in a great position. After our success at Fall Conference in Marshalltown it is clear that this team can compete for the repeat at IHSSA and compete to complete our run at IFL's. The potential is there, but the most important thing for students and parents to remember as this portion of the season approaches is that we will ask some students to compete in events they may not prefer, reorganize partnerships, and choose who attends nat quals. Our decisions are always final and we make these decisions based on a number of criteria, but ultimately what we perceive as best for the team. Every single student is a valued member of this program, and as coaches we would love to have each of them at every tournament showcasing how wonderful and talented they truly are.
Anyone who has ever competed for Roosevelt, no matter if it was once or a hundred times, will always be a part of this debate family. Most importantly any accomplishment of an individual is great, but the team's accomplishments are what really matters at these tournaments. Coaches and students alike have to cooperate to make a season that has so much promise even more successful. If we are to compete at these tournaments and bring home the gold then always keep in mind as a student or a parent that individual trophies are earned and deserved, but a team state title is something that is shared in a bond of brotherhood and can never be tarnished or broken. What we do as a team will divine all of our debate careers, and I know that this team is poised to do everything possible to bring home a title. No matter how frustrating it may get, at the end of the day the team title will mean far more 20 years from now than any individual accomplishments.
So keep the great work ethic, the positive attitude, and always remain attentive to the fact that we are a team, and we will either fail or succeed as a team. Either way is your family, and we will always support and be proud of all of our teammates. Go Chiefs, Ggo Drake Men's Basketball against ISU on Tuesday, and GO RIDERS!
Billy
