Marksmen Host Debate Tournament

Last Friday, as most of the School enjoyed a day off, members of St. Mark’s Debate Team were hard at work hosting the 2017 Heart of Texas Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. Over the October 13 weekend, more than 600 competitors and coaches from more than 30 states converged on campus for a mix of debate competitions including Cross-Examination, Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, and individual events. 

 

In keeping with tradition, the St. Mark’s Debate Team members did not compete in the tournament they hosted. They instead gained valuable experience in community support as the tournament utilized the entire campus. St. Mark’s debaters each invested dozens of hours over the weekend ensuring that the School was a welcoming host for visitors. 

 

“Debate tournaments don't happen by magic. They happen because a lot of people work really hard to give students these educational and competitive opportunities,” said Debate Coach Tim Mahoney. “My hope is that students will embrace the opportunity to move the debate community forward by hosting an outstanding event.”

 

The Debate Team also ensured that the campus was protected and well-maintained. When teachers and students returned on Monday, they will never knew that more than 600 people spent three full days on campus.  

 

While classes resumed on Monday, the Debate Tournament continued off-campus. Each year, a Senior Speaker is chosen to give a keynote address on final day of the Tournament. This process was created by David Baker, St. Mark’s former debate coach and current Director of Admission & Financial Aid, to provide an opportunity for a student to reflect on the values and meaning of debate. This year, Harris Wilson ’17 was selected to deliver the keynote address.