The beginning of the Blaine Debate season has started with anticipation. With many of the debaters advancing to nationals last year, this year looks just as promising, if not more. Nationals are not until December and the debater’s skills are already reaching new heights.

Abby Vogel(10), a novice, or first year debater, has begun the season with her partner Kalli Doyle(9). She says debate is different than any sport she has been involved in because she ,loves being able to win by virtue of the mind. Becoming your best is an essential phrase in the debate world. Coach Ross Eichele reassures debaters that your best competitor is you.

The first competition of the year was held at Chanhassen High School with novices watching rounds and varsity members competing in them. The tournament went well with many debaters exercising their skills and others placing. Other local tournaments come between national qualifiers, where debaters hope to get to Alabama this year.

Every Monday debaters sit around Eichele’s overhead and turn the lights off. Lauren Hince said, “What is said under the blinking blue lights stays under the blinking blue lights.” The conversations usually consist of setting new goals and talking over what they want from next weekend’s tournament.

If you ever walk through the English hallways after school, you’ll see the debaters doing what they do best. After Monday debaters are busy during practice researching, putting together cases and then debating each other. This process repeats throughout the season until students are put to their final feat at national qualifiers.