Patrick Sweet ‘19
Your fellow Cats involved in speech and debate, after a passionate preseason, are nearing the always anticipated state qualifiers. With several experienced returning participants, both groups will undoubtedly put forth their best efforts and seem likely do exceptionally well during the upcoming competitions.
The speech team, moderated by Mr. Fujimoto, is nearing the state qualifiers, which take place during the first weekend of February. Several speech team members have been performing exceptionally and gaining bids to the state tournament. Sophomore Jarred Meyer placed first in informative speaking at both the Kenston and Berea-Midpark competitions. Brian Sabath ‘17 is also accumulating bids after numerous strong performances and high placings. Phu Duong ’17 expects two to four students making it to the state tournament. He remarked, “We are looking forward to making everyone proud this year.”
“You’re always going to be on a stage somewhere, whether it’s a real stage or your daily job,” Alex Moon ’17 remarked.
In addition to performing well in competitions, the speech team has developed a vital skill that they will use their entire lives. “Speaking is such an integral part of life, and the only way to get better at it is to practice,” commented Mark Drozd ’16, a knowledgeable veteran of the speech league.
According to Mr. Fujimoto, several students join solely to improve their confidence and public speaking capabilities, and, over the course of the year, they achieve that. Speech participants are constantly expanding their aptitude for presentations and so much more down the road.
“Speech is an underrated club at Saint Ignatius,” stated Drozd.
Likewise, Mr. Joseph Buzzelli’s debate team is looking to finish their season on a high note. Although the members are young, with no seniors and only one junior involved, they have constantly placed highly at tournaments. Recently at Laurel High School they stole the show in policy debate, with Alex Moon ’17 and Elias Najm ’18 placing first, and two other teams placing third and fourth. These countless victories should, in part, be attributed to both Mr. Buzzelli’s vast experienced teaching and debate alumni who occasionally assist Mr. Buzzelli in training the students.
Furthermore, the fervent debate students are developing a permanent quality. “These are skills you take with you your entire life,” noted Mr. Buzzelli,
Saint Ignatius High School will be hosting the national speech and debate tournament qualifiers during February. Eventually, the state tournament will be taking place the first weekend of March. Some of the students who may be anticipating bids into the state tournament include veteran debater Alex Moon ’17 as well as younger members J.J. Conway ’18 and Elias Najm 18′.
“You’re always going to be on a stage somewhere, whether it’s a real stage or your daily job,” Alex Moon ’17 remarked. “We want to get our names out there to the school and show how this is an activity that you can reap massive benefits from both for colleges and intellectually.”
The debate and speech teams will undoubtedly represent the blue and gold well throughout the approaching state competitions.
