Since the beginning of time, humans have settled their differences in a number of ways: insults, silent treatment, fighting, and–more productively–debate. The Pattonville Speech and Debate team embraces settling arguments with words now more than ever, with the 2024 addition of the new speech and debate coach, Justin Levy.
“[Speech and debate] can benefit anyone,” Levy said. “No matter what profession, they will have to justify something to somebody at some point. The skills are transferable, [and] it’s a lot of fun.”
So far the Pirates have emerged victorious in their debate season, with one of their most recent tournaments at GSL Northwest resulting in over six trophies awarded to individual members of the team.
When Levy hasn’t been busy leading his young debaters to victory, he is likely planning Pattonville’s annual Randy Pierce Winter Classic tournament which is hosted at the high school on December 13 and 14, 2024.
“We’ve been usually one of the biggest tournaments in St. Louis,” Levy said. “If not the biggest.”
While maybe not as exciting as the actual debating, it is important for Pattonville’s team to provide other schools with good opportunities to sharpen their skills.
“When I compete at tournaments hosted by other schools I really appreciate concessions, clear instructions and help for finding rooms, [and] clear communication regarding where to find where the rounds are located. I just hope myself and my fellow teammates can provide the same things I find helpful to debaters from other schools.” Addison Gutschenritter, the captain of the debate team, said.
The Debate tournaments create skills that are easily translated into other facets of life. “Debaters, myself included, can gain organization skills and patience from helping out with these tournaments,” Gutschenritter said.
Not only can people like Gutschenritter help with providing directions to competitors, but additionally, they can help by getting judges. In fact, in Levy’s Debate and Public Speaking class, a student’s ability to acquire judges for the tournament in December is a part of their final grade.
“Acquiring judges is extremely important,” Gutschenritter said. “Without judges, there is no tournament.”
There is no doubt that with Levy as the new debate coach, this year’s tournament will be just as good–if not better–than years prior.
