Something pretty amazing is about to happen for Senior Nathan Leys. Over the next few weeks, at some point, Nathan will clear the 4000 point mark in National Forensic League points. Not only is that virtually unimaginable that any student could reach 4000 points, it appears it will make him fourth in NFL point history. 4013 is third in history and Nathan should have no issue accomplishing that in the next few weeks. 4125 is second in history and Nathan will get that run down either before the June National Tournament or during it. He cannot catch this year's point leader--the All time point leader-Allison McKibbon of El Dorado, KS who is over 4400 points.
But his debate career at Roosevelt is likely to end as the second highest point total ever recorded in the 80 plus year history of the National Forensic League.
We tell freshmen and new parents every year that a 750 point NFL career would be a nice point total for a four year career. 1500 points is the final degree that a student can earn. It is a big deal getting over 1500 points. (We will have five this season). Only a handful of Roosevelt students have ever cleared 2000 points. So 4000 points is simply an incredible feat. It requires competing virtually every weekend of four seasons and it requires winning at a rate of about 85% or better. Few students are willing to dedicate themselves to such an effort.
Nathan's reward won't be official until sometime after July 4th. Once all the points are entered from the National Tournament, the top 25 students in America, based on points become High School All Americans. Nathan will be the third from Iowa and the second in Roosevelt history. The next 60 students are Honorable Mention All Americans of which there have been a few in Roosevelt history.
It is very difficult for an Iowa student to become an All American. But come Mid July, Nathan Leys will have accomplished that goal. Congratulations to Nathan!
