Debate Squad Turns Challenges into Opportunities

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted tournaments all over the country to go virtual this season. Instead of traveling together to regional competitions in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas, members of the Barstow squad will present their arguments via Zoom this fall. 

"Debate can actually thrive in an online environment," varsity coach Gabe Cook says. "COVID's been with us long enough that our students have adapted and changed their mindset."

The squad had its first experience with the online format in April, when senior Jacqueline Tingle and Amanda Munsell '20 competed in the Tournament of Champions hosted by the University of Kentucky. "That experience let us know, 'Oh, we can do this,'" Cook said.

Though they encountered challenges using Zoom's mute function and cell phones during TOC debates, the team has figured out effective ways to communicate moving forward. Students attended online summer debate camps to give them a foundation for the virtual fall season, and Mr. Cook said Barstow's technology has simplified hybrid debate classes. In the debate room, students adhere to social distancing guidelines and wear masks at all times — even as they speed through their arguments. 

"Masks make it marginally more difficult for (assistant coach) Miss Scott and I to hear everything the students are saying, but it's really not a big deal. It may be inconvenient or a bit of a nuisance at times, but it hasn't slowed us down at all." 

Though his team would prefer to travel to tournaments together, Cook says there is an upside to the virtual season. Previously, MSHSAA travel restrictions prevented the team from attending some of its preferred national tournaments. In online debate, travel restrictions don’t apply.

"The kids knew at the end of last year that this was how it was going to be," he says. "Even though we can't go in person, we are able to attend what we think are some better tournaments." Those include competitions in Chicago and New York and a prestigious tournament hosted by the University of Michigan.

Mr. Cook says the challenges and opportunities presented during this debate season have already taught students and coaches valuable lessons.

"I think what we're taking aways from this as a debate team are the lessons everyone is learning — to appreciate what we had before, and to appreciate the opportunities we still have ahead of us."