Here is a list of the Roosevelt National Qualifiers thus far:
Nathan Leys and Kayleigh Courard-Hauri
Madison Holmes and Samantha Gerleman
Becky Hall and Carolyn Evans
Katy Roat
Karina Foster-Middleton
Lily Nellans
Andy Troxell
We have three alternates: Murphy Burke, Luke Theuma and Crystal and Stephanie Hou.
Each Qualifier has some moments for coaches to remember. I will remember this one for three primary reasons (but there are going to be a lot of memories from this one):
1). The fact we have arrived in the policy debate world. The white wash we put down on Valley was amazing. And it could have been far different if a certain Heelan judge had paid attention to a round. But to have the first alternate in Policy Debate at Roosevelt shows a LOT of progress. Congratulations to our policy kids--job well done. And a special congratulations to Coach Nate and Harrison. You guys were amazing.
2). That on a topic that we can't stand and perhaps didn't understand the pro as well as we would have liked going into the tournament--our coaches and kids made the adjustments needed with everyone down one and their backs to the wall. Nathan and Kayleigh were in trouble from round two forward. Still we qualified THREE pf teams (a Roosevelt record) and the fourth team was very close. Congratulations again to Coach Nate and to Billy. Job well done.
3). The amount of work put in by everyone over the past three weeks has been fantastic. Good things should happen to people who work hard and give themselves a chance. We weren't as ready as I would have like in a couple of areas but we got the job done in all areas. Further, you guys have proven once again that you are Iowa's best program!
We have a lot of work to do to get better before All Iowa Finals in three weeks. But together we can do it. Support one another--work hard--and maybe we can bring home the Trifecta of State Titles!
And a final comment: While I did not approve of some of the things that happened in the PF world at Roosevelt the past few weeks--I am very impressed with the outcome. And the truth is that Max and Andy worked hard and really wanted it badly. I look at Katy and Madi-the two girls who weren't treated particularly well two weeks ago and I love their outcomes. They had to refocus their efforts or learn to work with a new partner. They proved themselves to be the special kids that I always knew they were. They are winners. And so is everyone else on this team. It's time we start respecting one another for that.
To see Katy win Student of the Year and the smile on Madi's face when her ticket was announced was worth the entire season for me.
While there are always a lot of tears and disappointments but we got done what we needed to at Qualifier. That was get ten students to Indianapolis AND give a group of younger students an experience that will help them tremendously in the qualifiers to come.
Great job Riders!!!!
