The debate team was revved up to compete at UIL at the end of March. Then Coronavirus struck.
Amidst, massive cancellations of schools and events across the globe, it seems UIL debate is poised to
follow suit. As of Thursday, March 12th, UIL CX debate is postponed indefinitely, according to debate
coach James Thompson.
“We’ve had competitors that make it all the way to UIL state,” Thompson said, “Colin and Gabrielle
Franklin were supposed to go to UIL CX this next week.”
Junior Colin Tipton, who has been a member of the debate team since his freshman year and who recently qualified for TFA (Texas Forensic Association) state was read. He and Cesar Meza
were the only two members of the team to qualify. Meza did the best on the team and placed 5th overall
in original oratory.
Thompson’s faith in his team is seemingly hindered by the unknown status of the upcoming competition.
“I fully expect that we will have students qualify for regionals,” Thompson said. “If we have the meet.”
The extension of spring break to the week of the 30th leaves the question of the fate of the rest of the
debate events intended for the 27th and 28th.