I want to sincerely thank all the parents who helped during the Dowling Paradigm. It was really neat seeing the entire debate program come together and get the job done again! We will have cleared about $1450 in concessions once all paid out by Dowling. As usual, there were lots of compliments on a job well done.
Once the season begins to settle down, I would like to visit with all parents regarding the Paradigm, concessions and more. We have to find ways to continue to raise money and clearly the coaches only have limited time to get the job done.
But to all of those who helped out--THANK YOU. One of the benefits in running the building for the Paradigm is low cost entries into the tournament allowing some of our key varsity students opportunities to earn more TOC bids. Here are the results of the Roosevelt entries:
Extemp: A 1-2-3 three finish by Lily, Carolyn and Becky
PF: Two TOC bids and a quarter final appearance for Katy Roat and Andy Troxell, an Octo final appearance for Kayleigh Courard-Hauri and Nathan Leys.
CX: The Hou's went three-three in a demanding and difficult varsity field (as second year CX students)
This might have been the most exciting result of the tournament for us!
CD: Luke Theuma was the Champion
NCX: Both teams advanced into out rounds...the Appels lost in Octo finals and Max PIlcher and Reid Wade lost a difficult decision in semi finals to Glenbrooks North (one of the top CX programs in the US). Again exciting news for Roosevelt!
LD: Samantha Gerleman made it to the bid round and was beaten out by the Hockaday School
PFRR: 2nd place (tie) in our Pod for Nathan and Kayleigh.
Once again this team rose up in a difficult tournament and fared exceptionally well!
We have some students feeling some pressure right now which is pretty normal for this time of year...especially our seniors who have their final push of college stuff to get completed, plus finals plus state prep. A parent questioned our schedule this past weekend as if it is too much--but there is no way to balance the schedule between the semesters because of the way debate is set up around the country. The second semester is an easier pace although speech ramps up in a hurry. And it is much easier on the Freshman who are finished at the end of March.
Still, it is not as difficult with not as many big trips.
We have given this team a lot of challenges to have them as prepared as possible for State tournaments and National Qualifier. Right now, if those tournaments were tomorrow--we would generally be ready to go except for Congress Debate. We will be working each weekday during break in the afternoons to be ready for IHSSA.
Hoping all of you have a wonderful Holiday Season! Coach Strong
