Debate
Advisor: Cody Dorumsgaard, Cody.Dorumsgaard@wayzataschools.org
Description of activity: Students participate in one of four debate events (Congressional Debate, Lincoln Douglas, Policy, and Public Forum) where they gather evidence and prepare arguments. Students prepare to debate both the affirmative and the negative of topics and develop a multitude of skills in the process including: critical thinking, research, persuasive writing, public speaking, and civic engagement. Topics often address current events, economics, social issues, among others.
Length of season: The season runs from September through January. New students end their season in December at the JV/Novice State tournament, while varsity debaters continue into January for the State and National Qualifying Tournaments. Students who qualify to one of the National Tournaments will continue their season into June.
Practice and/or meeting times: Specific practice times depend on the event a student participates in. Practices are always after school, but can start as late as 6:00 based on coach availability.
Practice and/or meeting site: Zoom - invites sent out weekly.
Competitions: Tournaments occur every weekend from September through mid-December, with weeks off for holidays. Wayzata Debate competes primarily on the local Minnesota debate circuit, however opportunities to compete on the National circuit are available to students who apply and meet certain team criteria. Students interested in national circuit competition should contact Head Coach Cody Dorumsgaard to find out how they can qualify. During the 2020 season, all competitions are expected to be held online and not in-person.
Eligibility requirements: All students in good academic standing and who meet the Extra-Curricular Eligibility Requirements are eligible to participate on the Wayzata Debate Team.
Average number of members: 50, but there is not a membership cap. All students are welcome!
Costs and/or needed equipment: The participation fee is $155 to the WHS Activities Office. Dress clothes are required for some tournaments. During the 2020 season, students are expected to have access to a wired internet connection for practices and tournaments, as well as a headset. Students who do not have access or are unsure can contact Head Coach Cody Dorumsgaard for more information and assistance.
Awards criteria & type of awards: Debaters have the opportunity to earn varsity letters. Students also earn National Speech and Debate (NSDA) degrees. Most competitions offer awards for top performing debaters.
Student leadership: Team captains are selected each year. Varsity team members also serve as mentors to novice debaters.
Additional information: Most tournaments occur on Friday evenings and all day Saturday, depending on the event that a student participates in. All tournaments during the 2020 season are expected to be held virtually.