Last week, seniors Evan Grisham and Tate Slaughter competed in CX debate at the State Meet in Austin. The two advanced to the semi-final round, making them one of the top four teams in the state in 3A.
“My first experience doing CX, especially at the state level, was a daunting challenge and very intimidating,” Slaughter said. “However, in the end I had a lot of fun.”
Grisham said that making it to state the second time was his main priority this year in CX. He said that he wanted to end his senior year with an outstanding performance by his part.
“Going to state for the second time was my only goal for this year,” Grisham said. “It was a great experience for me, one that I will never forget.”
Tate said that his first year competing was hard because he had to rise up to Evan’s level as a debater and that it was hard at times understanding the framework and vocabulary; however, over time he grew fond with the event and started to be passionate about it. He said that Evan was tough on him at time at times and really pushed him to improve.
“We had our ups and downs at times, and he was extremely hard on me,” Slaughter said. “However, in the end the hard work and and drive persevered and it all payed off.”
Evan said he pushed Tate because he knew that he had the potential to be a great debater and at the end, he did.
“Tate was a great partner for me; we fit and molded well together,” Grisham said. “We understood each other very well and balanced one one another.”
The school has never gone past octafinals at state in CX debate before, but the pair broke that barrier.
“I thought we would only make it to octafinals; I didn’t expect anything else,” Grisham said. “But, Tate really stepped it up that day, and pulled through. I’ll never forget this experience.”
The boys agreed they had an amazing season, full of learning and growing as debaters. They both said they will cherish their state experience forever.
“I’m really glad I joined debate; it was a great learning experience, one I will never forget,” Slaughter said. “I wish I would have done it earlier; I’m really going to miss it next year.”
