Debate Provincials

18 March 2014Toby CH, Privett "15

Like the luge, a brave few of Brentwood’s debaters had gone through rigorous qualifications and assessments to get to the grand stage: The Debate Provincials. Unlike the luge, debaters did not have to speed down a narrow track made of ice in a small compartment. No, debaters would have to use their cunning wits, practiced decorum, and – in the case of Afyz M, Privett ‘17 – devilishly handsome good looks -to convince a group of unknown judges that what they were saying was the truth. The intrepid bunch got on a bus from their Brentwood home and began their journey downtown. Before the bus departed, the epitome of sangfroid Headmaster Bud Patel came for a pep talk. Soon, each participant in the debate provincial round was fully prepared and were thinking what WWE superstar John Cena thinks every time he steps in the ring: my time is now. The wheels spun, the Brentwood’s walls fell into the distance, and the holy presence of the tournament’s hosts, Pacific Christian School, was beginning to be felt in the souls of all. Apart from the angelic voice of Hayden L, Privett ’15 blasting out one ABBA hit after another, the debaters prepared in silence. Compiling notes, researching evidence, and discussing tactics with their partners, it was clear that their minds were truly focused. Briefly, the bus stopped at a Dairy Queen to fuel these young competitors’ minds with delicious frozen goods. As the intimidatingly tall team of Emma F, Alex ‘17 and Kavi G, Whittall ‘17 discussed rebuttal tactics with Team Glasses (Conner C, Whittall ‘16 and Will S, Whittall ’16), the time for the provincial debate came closer and closer with ever bite of Crispy Crunch Blizzard. Hopping first back on the bus was the diminutive-in-size-but-not-in-brains team of Toria E, Alex 17 and Afyz M, Privett ‘17, their baby-sized feet having trouble climbing the steps but nevertheless finding their way to their seats. Sitting at the back of the debating bus was the erudite team of future scientist Kevin D, Whittall ‘15 and future cat lady Sarah M, Alex ‘14. They sat in stoic silence, their minds working quietly on their imminent speeches. This imminence was soon immediacy. The gates of Pacific Christian school loomed, and before they knew it these intrepid eight were in their respective rooms preparing to debate the topic of “Should prisoners have their right to vote revoked.” With an arsenal of persuasive diction, decorum, and devious rhetoric, the classrooms of PCS were turned into a battlefield of articulate arguments, leaving few survivors left in the tournament. Like a whirlpool of words, the provincials raged on for two days straight, with out food or water. Metaphorically of course. At the end of the tournament, the Brentwood competitors had all made their coaches proud. Each and every member of the Brentwood team gave their all, and deserve to be satisfied with their performances. On an extremely impressive note, Kavi G, Whittall ‘17 has won himself a coveted spot at the Junior National Debate Championship, and Afyz M, Privett ‘17 will also being journeying there as a alternate debater. At the senior level, Brentwood’s very own Sarah M, Alex ‘14 was able to win herself ninth place. These are all remarkable and esteemed achievements, and deserve recognition. The debaters would like to thank Mrs. MacInnis and Mr. Bryant for their coaching expertise and this opportunity to debate at this level. They have proven time and time again that debate truly is great. Toby CH, Future Offensive Linemen of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Privett ‘15

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