Sprague

Sprague, the first speech tournament of the year, was today. It's a relatively small tournament with only debate events. Since it is the first tournament of the year, we only sent two teams, although a number of new team-members came to observe. Everyone one on our team is, of course, somewhat behind on practicing and rehearsing in all events, but come next weekend, people should have gotten their acts more together.

I'm not a fan of vulgar language or coarse slang, but I believe that it has a proper place in our diction. Because of their vulgarity, these words can especially impart sense of disgust much more forcefully than ordinary words, when the occasion calls for it. So when I choose the word "fucked" to describe our overall performance, my choosing it in place such a word as "abysmal" is meant to portray the certain vehemence with which I am disappointed. It was the worst tournament on record for me. We went 1-3 in the senior division (oddly, there were novice and junior divisions as well). Despite my excessive pessimism, I feel very strongly that we should have won our last debate. Nevertheless, the only consolation is that I won an award for being the 4th rated speaker out of the 28 speakers in the division. The other team from Wilson, Ian Rocker and Jon Kadish did a little better, going 2-2. Ian was rated 5th speaker additionally.

Let's just say that I'm now thoroughly motivated for the next tournament. Actually, the next tournament is next Friday and Saturday, but I don't think that it has public debate. Following that, the next tournament is on December 4th. I need to get my extemp abilities back up to their old self. Oh well, we never do particularly outstanding until January anyway.