A new novice-friendly debate format gave inexperienced members of Speech and Debate club an opportunity to connect with varsity members and secure their first wins.

“It felt very formal, like I wouldn’t be up to the challenge,” debate competitor Carmen Ruiz said. “But once you get in there and do it- it just flows really well.”

The first Shadow-Angel tournament was hosted at Northwest Career and Technical Academy on September 23-24. This tournament invited novices to spectate varsity debaters in their competitions on the first day, and allow varsity competitors to spectate and judge novices the following day. 

“Novices are exposed to the high level of varsity debate- which may inspire them, allow them to see where they can improve, and hone their skills.” vice president Angeline Roldan said. “Varsity debaters on the other hand really get to go back to the basics when watching the novices.”

After the Speech and Debate team won the 20-21 Nevada State Competition, the club has made an effort to keep the ball rolling by further increasing participation and strength in the debate team. 

“This event will certainly increase the strength of our team because we’ll have competitors who have experienced at least one tournament,” club adviser Henry Evans said. “I do see some benefits and I am interested in seeing if it makes a difference in improving novice student confidence.” 

Already, novice competitors alike are personally observing some benefits of the new tournament style. 

“I won both of my debate rounds, so I think I performed pretty well.” Ruiz said. “Granted, I was going up against people who hadn’t done this before- so I think I’ll get a better idea of how I really did when I compete in the next one.” 

Expanding the influence of the debate team is a major goal of the club, but one board member doesn’t agree on the best way to do it. Despite the promising results of the new debate competitors, club treasurer Victor Pedzik has raised concerns about the appeal of the new tournament format to novice competitors in the future. 

“In my personal experience, having regular events was already a lot as a first-year competitor.” Pedzik said. “If it were me as a novice, I would not go for the new event, considering that it isn’t tried and true, and that it would be a lot to juggle while getting into the rhythm of the club.” 

Still, new tournament styles remain just one of many open avenues for increasing the strength of the debate team and preparing students for state, and even national-level competitions. 

“I think having the Shadow/Angel tournament as the first debate event for this year is an interesting choice—a regular speech or debate event would typically be expected,” Pedzik said. “It can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with the concept. But overall, I have nothing against the idea. Trying out new things is always welcome.”